Summit aims to strengthen Canada-Caribbean economic ties

By Anthony Joseph

Business leaders, diplomats, entrepreneurs and government representatives gathered in Markham last week for the official media launch of the Caribbean Canadian Investment Summit and Trade Forum (CCISTF), unveiling an ambitious initiative designed to strengthen trade, investment and long-term economic cooperation between Canada and the Caribbean.

Organizers described the summit, scheduled for September 25 and 26 in the Greater Toronto Area, as more than a networking event. They said it is intended to become a permanent platform connecting governments, investors, businesses, academic institutions and the Caribbean diaspora to create sustainable economic opportunities.

Welcoming guests, CCISTF organizers emphasized that Canada and the Caribbean already share deep cultural, historical and economic ties, but argued that stronger business partnerships are needed as the global economy continues to evolve.

“Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey,” organizers told the audience. “This summit is more than an event. It is a platform for dialogue, investment opportunities, trade expansion and sustainable economic growth that will benefit businesses and communities on both sides.”

CCISTF President Donna P. Fanfair said the idea for the summit grew from a simple but important question.

“How do we move from connection to collaboration? How do we move from potential to prosperity?” she asked.

Fanfair noted that while generations of Caribbean people have built lives, businesses and families in Canada, economic cooperation has not kept pace with the strength of those relationships.

She said the summit aims to change that by creating opportunities for partnerships that extend beyond tourism and remittances into investment, innovation, technology, renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, financial services and advanced manufacturing.

“Our mission is bridging markets, unlocking opportunities and building sustainable prosperity,” Fanfair said. “The Caribbean does not suffer from a lack of talent or ambition. What it needs are more pathways connecting talent to opportunity.”

Representatives from several Caribbean consulates endorsed the initiative.

Jamaica’s Consul General Davis said the timing was ideal as Canada and Caribbean nations seek to diversify trade relationships in an increasingly uncertain global economy.

“We have to go beyond sentiment,” he said. “This is an opportunity to create partnerships that lead to prosperity and development for both sides.”

Grenada’s Consulate General Hopkin formally endorsed the summit, encouraging investors and business leaders to participate in what was described as an important forum for trade, innovation and economic cooperation.

Cuba’s Consul General also praised the initiative, saying Caribbean nations must work together to showcase the region’s strengths and investment potential to the world.

Ontario parliamentary assistant and Markham MPP Logan Kanapathi welcomed delegates to one of Canada’s most diverse communities, saying stronger economic partnerships with Caribbean nations are increasingly important as Canada expands international trade beyond traditional markets.

He described Caribbean countries as “sleeping giants” with enormous untapped potential and praised the summit for creating opportunities to strengthen commercial ties between Ontario and the region.

Organizers said success will not be measured by attendance but by tangible outcomes, including business partnerships, investment commitments, memoranda of understanding and job creation.

Corporate sponsors were also invited to view the summit as an investment in a long-term economic platform rather than simply an event sponsorship, with organizers stressing that meaningful partnerships and sustained engagement will be the key measure of success.

The September summit is expected to attract government officials, investors, trade agencies, entrepreneurs and business leaders from across Canada and more than a dozen Caribbean countries as organizers work to position the region as an increasingly attractive destination for international investment and economic collaboration.

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