The strategic partnership between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Republic of Korea has evolved into a substantial development framework, with the CARICOM-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund serving as its financial backbone. Since its establishment in 2021, the fund has accumulated approximately $7 million, financing nine significant initiatives across critical sectors including digital transformation, climate resilience, public health, and cybersecurity.
According to Dr. Armstrong Alexis, CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General, Korea has demonstrated longstanding commitment to expanding developmental assistance throughout the Caribbean region. “We are grateful for the strong bonds of friendship, and we thank the Government and people of the Republic of Korea for its support to the Community in several critical areas,” Dr. Alexis stated.
The collaboration has yielded concrete results across multiple domains. In digital innovation, a comprehensive three-phase project is modernizing regional records management while upgrading IT infrastructure and human resource systems. The Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) initiative aims to optimize management processes through cutting-edge ICT systems.
Statistical capacity building has received significant attention through a specialized project enhancing data interoperability between national statistical offices and the CARICOM Secretariat. This initiative promotes adherence to international data standards, improving the quality and accessibility of regional statistics for evidence-based policymaking.
Climate diplomacy represents another pillar of cooperation, with the deployment of a dedicated Climate Change Envoy advocating for regional interests on international platforms. The recently launched KORA-CARE project focuses on climate-resilient water safety planning, integrating smart water management tools to mitigate health impacts related to water systems.
Public health collaboration has produced substantial outcomes through the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). Korean support has established the Caribbean Regional Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, maintained biosecurity Level 3 laboratory capabilities, and advanced communicable disease diagnostics with state-of-the-art testing systems.
Cybersecurity cooperation has materialized through the “Strengthening CARICOM’s Resilience Against Ransomware (SCAR)” project, implemented jointly by CARICOM IMPACS and Korea’s Internet and Security Agency. This initiative builds regional infrastructure capabilities to counter evolving cyber threats.
The partnership has extended to addressing Haiti’s complex crisis through security enhancement programs and has launched the Korea-Caribbean Agricultural Research Innovation Platform (KoCARIP). This agricultural partnership advances post-harvest technologies, reduces crop losses, and promotes climate-resilient farming practices.
The relationship traces its roots to historical connections, including Korean aid during the Korean War to several Caribbean nations. During the 45th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in July 2023, former Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo announced plans to increase Korea’s contributions to the Cooperation Fund fivefold starting in 2024. Additional proposals included establishing an annual Korea-Caribbean Ministerial Dialogue and expanding cooperation into renewable energy and marine research.
The formal partnership, established through a 2006 agreement, continues to evolve through high-level engagements. The recent Fifteenth High-Level Forum in November 2025 set the agenda for enhanced maritime and ocean governance cooperation in 2026. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Korea further demonstrated commitment by providing $1 million worth of medical supplies and PPE, reinforcing the partnership’s resilience-focused orientation.