BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Oct 27, CMC -The Barbados-based Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) has received the prestigious 2026 United nations Investment Promotion Award for its innovative approach to attracting investment and driving economic transformation across the Caribbean.
The award, one of the highest international honours for excellence in investment promotion, was presented by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) during the ninth World Investment Forum in Doha, Qatar, last Sunday.
Caribbean Export’s deputy executive director, Leo Naut, accepted the award on behalf of the agency.
Caribbean Export was selected as one of five award recipients from 48 entries representing 40 countries, placing the agency among the world’s leading investment promotion organisations.
The 2026 awards focused on excellence in attracting investment in the digital economy, recognising institutions demonstrating innovative approaches, measurable investment outcomes, and contributions to sustainable development.
Caribbean Export said that the recognition celebrates the success of the Caribbean Investment Forum (CCIF, its flagship investment promotion platform, which has transformed how the Caribbean identifies, prepares and promotes investment opportunities to international investors.
Since its establishment in 2022, CIF has pioneered a regional approach to investment promotion, positioning the Caribbean as a single, competitive investment destination rather than a collection of individual small markets.
Between 2022 and 2026, the Forum showcased 38 investment projects with a combined pipeline exceeding US$220 million. Over this period, CIF attracted more than 2,500 participants from over 50 countries and facilitated more than 600 structured business-to-business and investor meetings.
“This award is a tremendous honour for Caribbean Export and, more importantly, a recognition of what the Caribbean can achieve when we work together with a shared vision. For too long, our economies have been perceived individually as small markets,” said Caribbean Export’s executive director, Dr. Damie Sinanan, who regarded the the award as a significant achievement for the agency and the wider Caribbean.
“Through the Caribbean Investment Forum, we have demonstrated that by combining our strengths, preparing bankable investment opportunities and engaging investors strategically, we can position the region as a competitive destination for global capital,” he added.
He said that the UN Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) recognition “validates our approach and reinforces our commitment to transforming investment opportunities into tangible economic outcomes that create jobs, strengthen businesses and drive sustainable growth across our region”.
A notable example of CIF’s impact is the establishment of Beharry-Amber Technologies Inc., a joint venture between Guyana’s Beharry Group and Jamaica’s Amber Group.
The partnership originated through connections facilitated during CIF 2025 in Jamaica and was formalised in January 2026, establishing an IT and cybersecurity services venture. This investment demonstrates how regional collaboration can translate into tangible commercial opportunities and strengthen the Caribbean’s digital economy.
Organised by Caribbean Export with the support of the European Union under the Global Gateway initiative, CIF brings together governments, investors, businesses and development partners to accelerate investment in digital transformation, sustainable agriculture, the green economy, and logistics and transportation.
Through its strategic partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Caribbean Export also supports the preparation of bankable investment projects, strengthening the region’s capacity to attract international capital.
The international recognition follows the successful hosting of CIF 2026 in Barbados earlier this month with over 450 registered participants and US$39 million in projects showcased, with preparations now underway for CIF 2027 in the Dominican Republic.
Caribbean Export said it will continue building on this momentum to strengthen the region’s investment pipeline, deepen strategic partnerships and position the Caribbean as a competitive destination for sustainable investment.
CMC/gh/ir/2026