Caribbean Business News & Development

The Caribbean region or Bassin is experiencing a strong post-pandemic economic recovery, fueled by investments in strategic sectors and new business opportunities,  below is a compiled list of latest developments reflecting both opportunities and ongoing challenges:

Image from: Wellnesstraveldiaries.com

Growing Trends and Developments

  • Strong tourism recovery: Many Caribbean economies, particularly Curaçao, Sint Maarten, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas, are experiencing a robust post-pandemic tourism boom, driving strong economic expansion. Family travel and longer stays are emerging trends, prompting resorts to diversify their offerings.

  • Diversification efforts: While tourism remains a major pillar, countries are actively seeking to diversify their economies. Areas like high-tech agribusiness, renewable energy, niche tourism, technology, and business support are being targeted for growth and foreign direct investment.

    Antigua and Barbuda, for example, is expanding into financial services, communication, and transportation.

  • Digital transformation gaining traction: Caribbean businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are recognizing the critical importance of digital transformation to boost competitiveness and expand market reach beyond their small domestic markets. There's increasing adoption of cloud computing, AI, and digital platforms to improve efficiency and customer experience.



    Rent A Business Page: E-Commerce Payments Will Exceed $8 Trillion This Year



    Renewed focus on economic stability and resilience: The region faces external and internal challenges, including climate-related shocks, high debt levels, and the need for structural reforms to sustain growth. International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) reports emphasize the importance of fiscal consolidation, regulatory reforms, and resilient infrastructure. 

Specific Country & Regional Highlights

  • Dominican Republic: Becoming a key logistical hub with Amazon launching a distribution center.

  • Trinidad & Tobago: Working to reverse a major slump in gas production, with new exploration bids launched and acceleration of projects like Woodside Energy's Calypso offshore project. The country is positioning itself as an energy hub.

  • Guyana: Maintaining high growth rates driven by continued investment in its hydrocarbons sector.

  • Jamaica: Showing modest economic growth, with agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and construction driving recovery. The country has significantly reduced public debt but faces challenges with low productivity and a narrow economic base.

  • Cuba: Has opened its economy to private businesses and foreign investment, with a focus on areas like tourism, health services, and specific industries like energy and mining.

  • Regional Integration: CARICOM's strengthening of the Single Market and Economy (CSME) pact is a landmark move, with four countries implementing full free movement of citizens in October 2025, aiming to boost labor mobility and regional entrepreneurship. 

Challenges & Outlook

  • Vulnerability to global risks: Economic instability and dependence on external markets make Caribbean economies vulnerable to global risks like economic slowdowns in major trading partners like the US and China.

  • Climate change impacts: Climate-related shocks pose a significant threat to fiscal policies and agricultural production, potentially leading to increased food inflation.

  • Maintaining economic stability: The region needs to address high debt levels and structural issues to ensure sustainable growth.

  • Sluggish investment: Despite strong growth in some areas like tourism, overall investment remains sluggish. 

Overall, the Caribbean business landscape in 2025 is characterized by strong tourism recovery, growing diversification efforts, and a push towards digital transformation. However, challenges related to global economic volatility, climate change, and the need for structural reforms persist, requiring continued focus on strengthening economic resilience and fostering regional integration.