For Canadian Companies, Trade Flows Into the Caribbean

You might be surprised to learn that Canadian direct investment in the Caribbean was over $88 billion in 2007. In fact, investment in Barbados alone was $36.2 billion, making it the third largest destination for Canadian direct investment after the U.S. and the U.K. Canadian business activity in the Caribbean is quite broad, touching everything from making chemicals in Trinidad to running cable television in the Bahamas and Jamaica.

James Lambert, Director General, Latin America & Caribbean, at Foreign Affairs and International Trade, says that Canadian firms are eager to take advantage of the many opportunities that await them in the Caribbean.

Specifically, Lambert points to heavy investments by Caribbean governments in infrastructure and capital projects. The tourism sector also offers many opportunities, specifically in construction (from materials to equipment to services). Other areas of opportunity include agriculture and agri-food, environmental services, health industries, information and communications technology and alternative energy technology.

As Canadian companies embark on their Caribbean venture, they’re finding that Canadian financial institutions can help pave the way by providing invaluable services, advice and information about this market and banking within it.

In this article, you'll learn about:

• Canada and the Caribbean – a long history
• Online resources
• Stricter regulations and slower processes
• Relationships are key

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