A panel of regional investment experts has made out a case for investment in infrastructure as the best means for revitalising the economies of Caribbean countries.

The arrival of COVID-19 on Caribbean shores has threatened to unleash double-digit recession across the region, which is dependent on air, sea and land transport to connect and grow its economies. In particular, tourism was singled out where the travel and tourism sector contributed nearly US$59 billion to the Caribbean’s gross domestic product in 2019.

The panel of regional experts made these points during a recent discussion hosted by New Energy Events, in preparation for the 5th Caribbean Infrastructure Forum. While post-COVID recovery efforts are on the horizon, the panel concluded that addressing infrastructure needs was the path forward to revitalise Caribbean economies—despite budget deficits.