The New York-based Consulate General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines says the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development has signaled its readiness to support efforts by the Caribbean nation to strengthen investment facilitation and expand diaspora engagement in national development.
According to the Consulate, the development follows a formal request from the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for technical and financial cooperation, building on a New York–driven initiative aimed at creating a structured framework to channel diaspora investment into the country.
The programme, titled “Engaging the Vincentian Diaspora in National Development Through Trade and Investment,” seeks to position overseas Vincentians as key partners in development by mobilising capital, expertise and global networks.
Consul General Roland “Patel” U. C. Matthews said the initiative represents a shift toward more structured engagement with the diaspora. “This initiative represents a strategic shift in how we engage the Vincentian Diaspora, moving from informal connections to structured, results-driven partnerships,” he said.
UNCTAD has reportedly indicated its willingness to collaborate on strengthening the country’s investment environment and supporting sustainable and inclusive growth. Areas of potential support include technical input on draft investment legislation, assessment of the national investment framework, and development of targeted investment promotion strategies focused on diaspora participation.
The agency is also expected to assist with training aimed at strengthening diplomatic capacity, as well as coordination ahead of a planned high-level diaspora investment engagement scheduled for June.
Foreign Affairs Minister Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble welcomed the initiative, saying the government fully supports the approach and views it as a key step in attracting investment and deepening development partnerships.
UNCTAD has long argued that stronger investment policy frameworks and diaspora-linked foreign direct investment can play a significant role in supporting sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
