SheTrades Hub to empower Caribbean women

To build upon the region’s strong track record in women’s participation in the economy, the International Trade Centre and the Caribbean Development Bank discussed their plans to launch an ITC SheTrades Regional Hub, during the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum.

The hub will unlock business and investment opportunities for women-led businesses and strengthen the region’s business support ecosystem to promote women’s participation in intra-regional trade.

This is important at a time when Africa and the Caribbean are looking at new partnerships to boost trade between the regions. Trade flows between the regions currently stand at less than 1%.

‘As a Jamaican, Caribbean, and woman leader who has worked across the local, regional, and international trade ecosystem for decades, I am proud of what the Caribbean has so far achieved in terms of gender equality’, said Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre. ‘Through the Hub, ITC will champion more inclusive growth and empower women entrepreneurs to succeed in global markets.’

Hyginus “Gene” Leon, President of the Caribbean Development Bank, added: ‘The Bank is keen to formalize our partnership with ITC on a global initiative. This will increase economic opportunities for our region’s women while building financial resilience. Strengthening the women-inclusive business ecosystem remains a priority and will undoubtedly contribute to heightened collaboration and knowledge-sharing as we close the gaps to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.’