Senator  Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce,  on the opening day of the Forum, emphasised the Caribbean’s growing attractiveness as a destination for sustainable investment while speaking on a high-level panel at the CAF International Economic Forum: Latin America and the Caribbean 2026, currently underway in Panama City.

Minister Hill participated in the panel discussion “Economic Development Opportunities for the Caribbean,” which explored how innovation, sustainability, technology, creative financing and public–private partnerships can reduce risk and open regional and global markets.

“For Jamaica, our discipline and internationally recognised good economic performance” was emphasised by the Minister. “We are keeping our debt manageable. Government spending is being directed to investments that build resilience in the future and support long-term economic growth.

We have an independent central bank, no currency controls, strong institutions that must be protected, and a clear commitment to getting education, ICT, and skills development right. Jamaica will stay the course, and we are open for investment. At the regional level, Latin America and the Caribbean must come closer together to strengthen our position and attract the scale of investment our region deserves,” said Minister Hill.

The conference was organised by the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF). Minister Hill joined Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr. The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, Foreign Minister and Foreign Trade,  Kamina Johnson Smith and Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Fayval Williams in a roundtable discussion with the President of CAF, Mr. Sergio Diaz-Granados; CFO of CAF, Gabriel Felpeto; the Regional Manager for the Caribbean of CAF, Dr. Stacy Richards-Kennedy and Country Director Northern Caribbean, CAF, Mr. Oscar Avalle. A wide range of prospects and investment and financial collaboration were discussed with the bank. Significant progress was made in strengthening the relationship and collaboration in the near- and longer-term future.

Minister Hill also had several meetings with various regional and international financial and infrastructure-building companies ranging from Panama, elsewhere in the region, Europe and the Middle East.