Saint Lucia has issued a compelling call for Caribbean nations to redefine their economic trajectories by embracing sustainable trade and bioeconomy strategies. This initiative aims to align climate action with innovation, value creation, and global competitiveness. The two-day workshop, titled ‘Crafting a Sustainable and Inclusive Trade and Bioeconomy Agenda for CARICOM,’ held from October 29–30 at the Harbor Club, focused on five key thematic sessions designed to drive regional transformation through sustainable trade and bioeconomic development. These sessions included: defining the nexus between trade, climate, and the Caribbean bioeconomy; exploring innovation, digital trade, and AI; unlocking the ocean economy; building resilient food systems; and financing the bioeconomy and green industrial policy. Permanent Secretary Janelle Modeste-Stephen emphasized the critical role of trade policy in facilitating access to green technologies, promoting regional value addition, and ensuring the free movement of environmental goods and services across borders. She highlighted that sustainable trade is not just a pathway but a necessity for the survival and prosperity of small island states. The workshop aimed to shape a unified regional strategy for sustainable trade, climate resilience, and bioeconomic transformation. Modeste-Stephen warned that the Caribbean is at a historic turning point, facing overlapping global crises such as climate change, rising protectionism, and the impact of trade wars. She stressed the need for decisive action, unity, and creativity to navigate these challenges and position the Caribbean as a leader in sustainable and inclusive trade and bioeconomy.
Saint Lucia calls for Caribbean unity in driving sustainable trade agenda
