Panama City, Panama – The CAF International Economic Forum – Latin America and the Caribbean 2026 placed Caribbean priorities at its core. This major event convened in Panama City. It attracted over 6,500 participants from 70 countries. Regional leaders, policymakers, and business stakeholders gathered. They focused on critical issues for island economies. Resilience and financing solutions were key discussion points. The forum, in its second year, is CAF’s platform for regional dialogue. This year’s agenda spotlighted the Caribbean. Discussions covered climate resilience and infrastructure. Energy transition, water, and food security were also addressed. Trade and sustainable development were central. Culture’s role in economic growth was explored. Over 50 delegates from across the Caribbean attended. They aimed to amplify the region’s voice globally. This news highlights a unified regional push.
Jamaican Recovery Takes Center Stage
Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, delivered a keynote address. He urged Latin America and the Caribbean to lead their economic futures. He stressed intentionality in global economic engagement. Prime Minister Holness drew on Jamaica’s recovery. This followed Hurricane Melissa. He highlighted strong institutions and regional competitiveness. Coordinated approaches are vital for global uncertainty. Jamaican ministers held a key meeting with CAF’s Executive President. They discussed post-hurricane coordination. Development finance is crucial for recovery. It supports resilient reconstruction. CAF pledged USD 1 billion for Jamaica’s long-term efforts. This pledge is part of a larger support package. Several international institutions contributed. This financial commitment aids rebuilding and resilience. It will help rebuild stronger. Private sector engagement is vital. An investment dialogue focused on Jamaica. It sought regional private capital. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) were emphasized. These models accelerate infrastructure investment.
Driving Sustainable Development and Business
Caribbean ministers and officials participated actively. They engaged in panel discussions and technical sessions. Topics included the region’s economic outlook. The blue economy was also discussed. Relations with Africa and global fragmentation were analyzed. Opportunities to boost tourism investment were explored. Practical, solutions-oriented outcomes were sought. CAF’s Regional Manager for the Caribbean, Dr. Stacy Richards-Kennedy, spoke. She reaffirmed efforts to include Caribbean perspectives. “The Caribbean faces unique challenges,” she stated. These must not be overshadowed globally. CAF’s strategy for 2026 includes expansion. It aims to increase geographic coverage. The Caribbean is a key focus area. Strengthening non-sovereign sector financing is also a goal. This means more private business support. Innovative financing instruments were a priority. This included new tools for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The goal is sustainable growth. It also aims to improve quality of life. Caribbean business leaders attended. They sought investment and partnership opportunities. Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, was prominent. He spoke on a panel about Caribbean investment. He highlighted the region’s attractiveness for sustainable investment. Jamaica’s economic discipline was emphasized. The country is open for investment. Regional integration is essential. It strengthens the position of Latin America and the Caribbean. This attracts necessary investment scale.
Building a Resilient Future
The forum underscored regional integration’s importance. Many speakers called for greater unity. This is seen as an antidote to global challenges. It also presents an opportunity. Long-term planning and clear regulations are needed. These enable investment. Stable rules of the game are crucial. Alliances and collaborative work were recurring themes. Innovation, technology, and sustainability are transversal. These must be integrated broadly. The discussions also touched on security. The impact of criminal economies was noted. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated responses. The CAF Forum 2026 demonstrated commitment. It showed a desire for positive transformation. This includes just transitions benefiting all parties. The news from Panama signals a proactive region. It is moving beyond dialogue. It is aiming for tangible action. The Caribbean has a clearer economic voice. It is ready to shape its future. This event charts a course for future business and development. It reinforces CAF’s role as a key development partner. The forum highlights a region ready to grow.