分类： business

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in collaboration with the Cocoa Research Centre (CRC) at the University of the West Indies (UWI), recently hosted a two-day regional dialogue on the future of the cocoa industry. Held from November 13 to 14, 2025, at the UWI School of Education in St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, the event brought together government representatives, academic institutions, producer organizations, private sector stakeholders, and regional development partners. The primary focus was to create a roadmap for revitalizing the Caribbean cocoa industry, particularly emphasizing fine-flavor cocoa. Anne Desrochers, FAO specialist in plant production and protection, opened the workshop on behalf of FAO subregional coordinator Renata Clarke. She highlighted the Caribbean’s comparative advantage in producing some of the world’s most distinctive cocoa varieties but stressed the need for coordinated action to address productivity and sustainability challenges. ‘The Caribbean has a proud cocoa heritage, but we must strengthen collaboration to modernize the sector,’ Desrochers stated. She emphasized that science, innovation, and regional cooperation could transform the industry into a model for sustainable agricultural development. The FAO has supported the cocoa sector in the Eastern Caribbean for several years, providing training and capacity-building for over 300 stakeholders in Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Trinidad and Tobago is one of five global demonstration countries under the FAO’s One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative, with cocoa as the priority commodity. The program aims to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of key agricultural value chains. Karen Lee Lum of the CRC provided an update on the OCOP initiative, which began in Trinidad and Tobago in 2022 and is now entering its second phase with support from China’s South-South Cooperation. ‘Trinidad and Tobago’s fine-flavor cocoa is unique—it is one of only seven countries worldwide exporting 100% of its production as fine-flavor cocoa,’ Lee Lum noted. The new phase, valued at $5 million, will expand to 15 countries, focusing on research, farmer engagement, market access, and green technologies. The workshop facilitated discussions on country-specific progress, innovation exchange, and consensus-building for a regional strategy to further develop the cocoa industry. The roadmap aims to promote sustainable production, added value, and improved market opportunities for Caribbean cocoa.

The inaugural edition of the Energy Fair, organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources (NH), has concluded on a high note, marking a significant milestone in the region’s push toward sustainable energy solutions. Claudine Saaki, the event’s project lead, highlighted the rapid growth in electricity consumption among both households and businesses. “Many are actively seeking ways to meet their increasing energy demands while simultaneously reducing costs. The fair addressed numerous queries and provided practical solutions,” she stated. The event was held as part of Caricom Energy Month, which this year adopted the theme “Invest, Innovate, Sustain. Leading the Charge in Energy Frontiers.” Held at Utopia Heritage, the fair featured 13 exhibitors from Suriname, France, and China, showcasing a diverse range of energy innovations. These included solar panels for electricity generation, household batteries, and large-scale energy storage systems for businesses and commercial buildings. With the rise of e-bikes and fully electric vehicles, the demand for charging solutions has surged. Visitors explored various options tailored to this rapidly growing user base. Additionally, powerful power banks for charging laptops and other devices on the go were also a focal point. Saaki emphasized the clear need for a repeat of the event, preferably on a larger scale. “We are very pleased with the turnout. The curiosity about alternative energy sources was immense. People are eager to manage their energy consumption more consciously and are looking for energy-efficient devices or cost-saving methods. The fair aimed to inform visitors about the latest innovations in the sector, particularly in clean and sustainable energy,” she added.

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation, Melvin Bouva, held a productive meeting with Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF). The discussions took place during the 4th CELAC-EU Summit in Santa Marta, Colombia, earlier this week. The talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in areas of sustainable development, economic resilience, and regional integration. CAF, which recently secured an AA+ credit rating, is renowned for providing tailored financial and technical support to its member countries. The Surinamese delegation was briefed on the potential benefits of joining CAF, including access to development financing for critical sectors such as education, infrastructure, and healthcare. Both parties agreed that CAF would soon dispatch a technical mission to Suriname to develop a comprehensive business case for potential membership. Minister Bouva expressed gratitude for CAF’s open and collaborative approach, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships in fostering sustainable growth and inclusive development. CAF’s regional reputation as a financial institution that prioritizes the socio-economic realities of its member states further underscores the significance of this potential collaboration.