SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -  The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) in cooperation with the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA) facilitated the participation of Caribbean investment promotion agencies (IPAs) in the annual World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) Investment Conference which was held in Istanbul, Turkey, during the period 13-16 May, 2014. The Conference allowed for senior government officials to interact with distinguished economists and opinion-makers on investment-related matters. The WAIPA Conference also provided an opportunity for IPAs to share best practices, increase knowledge and forge new partnerships for CAIPA members.

The hosting of the event in Istanbul, Turkey, also presented an opportunity for the Caribbean delegates to promote investment opportunities in the Caribbean to potential Turkish investors. As such, a working lunch was held with the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) of Turkey and its members on 13th May and on 16thwas organized in collaboration with the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and DEIK. Approximately 40 companies from Turkey participated. “The Investment Forum served to expose and introduce potential investors in Turkey to the Caribbean brand and to regional investment opportunities, enhancing the image of the Caribbean as an ideal investment location to investors”, notes Mr. Ronald Theodore, President of CAIPA.

The event brought together 9 delegates from the IPAs of the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. “As we look to the future, Caribbean Export hopes to deepen the Caribbean Region’s relationship with Turkey in the areas of trade and investment through a partnership with the DEIK and the ICOC, which we hope to concretize in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding. This partnership will allow our business people in the Caribbean to discuss and pursue trade and investment opportunities with business people in Turkey,” notes Mr. Escipion Oliveira, Deputy Executive Director of Caribbean Export, who was the lead representative on the mission.

Funding for this activity was provided by the European Union, within the framework of the European Development Fund, Regional Private Sector Development Programme and the 10th Haiti-Dominican Republic Binational Programme.