Investment Climate in the Caribbean

Main Challenges and Policy Solutions identified by the

CGF national chapters

Caribbean Growth Forum Regional WorkshopJune 24-25, 2013 Nassau, The Bahamas

A Snapshot of Key Investment Climate Challenges

1. Access to Capital BH, BL, DO, DR, JA, SU, SVG, TT•Concerns about SME/start-ups BL, DO, DR, GR, JA, SU, SVG2. Better Investment Promotion AB, BH, BL, GR, SL, SU, SVG, TT•Investment Policy/Legislative Reform AB, BH, DO, GR, SL, SU•Investment Agency Institutional Reform AB, BL, SL•Tax Incentive Reform BL, DO, GR, SVG3. Land Use/Ownership/Access BH, DO, DR, JA, SL, SU•Property registration DR, SKN4. Utility Cost Reduction BH, BL, DO, DR, SKN 5. Business registration AB, DR, GR, SVG, SL

Judicial Reform BH, DO, DR, JACollecting/paying taxes BL, DR, JA

Doing Business 2013

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A Snapshot of Key Investment Climate Proposals across CGF action plans

Caribbean Growth Forum Regional WorkshopJune 24-25, 2013 Nassau, The Bahamas

Problem Most common proposed solutions

Enhanced Access to Finance – SMEs

- Moveable collateral framework and registry- Credit bureau/sharing of credit info.- Stimulate venture capital

Enhanced investment promotion

- Review investment legislation efficient, equitable, transparent

- Specific instruments to support SME development- Tourism: instruments that would stimulate linkages to SMEs- Targeted policies for promising growth sectors

Business and property registration

- One stop shops + simplified procedures- E-government

Energy costs - Energy commission- Fraction cost of linking to the utilities- Incentives to use renewable energy and increase efficiency

Regional Opportunities for policy reform provided by the Caribbean Growth Forum

Our Distinguished Investment Climate PanelistsMr. Michael SinghChief Executive OfficerMinistry of Investment, Economic Development and Trade of Belize

Mr. Jeffrey HallChief Executive OfficerJamaica Producers Group Ltd.

Mr. John WilliamsChief Executive OfficerCave Shepherd & Co. Ltd.

Mr. Alvin WintChairmanRegional Investment Promotion Steering Committee

Mr. Rod PennycookChairmanRoyal Bank of Canada Financial (Caribbean) Ltd.

Hon. Khaalis E. RolleMinister of State for InvestmentOffice of the Prime MinisterThe Bahamas