After two tumultuous years, 2023 remains characterized by headwinds facing countries across the world. Our previous publications have highlighted the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 shock to economies across the Caribbean region, particularly given its extreme dependence on external demand for resources, tourism, and finance. Just as the pandemic’s effects began to … [Read more...] about Headwinds facing the post-pandemic recovery in the Caribbean
Closing the digital divide: Leaving no one behind in the grocery ecosystem
Without question, the digital grocery ecosystem is shaping the future of retail. E-commerce is growing and rapid rates of digital grocery transformation continue across the globe. Propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, the digital economy is emerging in Latin America and the Caribbean, and vendors need to be responsive to the opportunities and risks associated with disruptive … [Read more...] about Closing the digital divide: Leaving no one behind in the grocery ecosystem
Pr.A.I.S.E. for raising the bar in the Trinidad & Tobago public sector
Finalists in a celebratory mood at the Pr.A.I.S.E. for the Public Sector ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad on December 7, 2022. Public institutions and the public sector play a critical role in improving the lives of a country’s citizens. In Trinidad & Tobago, there is a need to enhance the efficient delivery of public services – one of several priorities of the … [Read more...] about Pr.A.I.S.E. for raising the bar in the Trinidad & Tobago public sector
Financial Challenges for Bahamian Firms
Financial institutions and markets are integral in enabling transactions, intermediating savings for businesses in need of financing, allocating scarce financial resources and facilitating risk diversification. Modern economies rely on these financial institutions and markets to finance private sector development. For economies like The Bahamas, the post-pandemic recovery will … [Read more...] about Financial Challenges for Bahamian Firms
Give Credit Where It Is Due: Firm Financing in a Post-Pandemic Caribbean
Joint research from the IDB’s Caribbean Department, IDB Invest, and the Complete Caribbean Partnership uses enterprise survey data to highlight that firms from across the Caribbean face challenges when it comes to access to finance, particularly given the depth and development of credit and capital markets. Findings suggest that the most pressing barriers to finance are … [Read more...] about Give Credit Where It Is Due: Firm Financing in a Post-Pandemic Caribbean