The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) and Pleion Group Inc., a Caribbean and U.S.-based maritime and economic development company, inked an agreement to enhance regional transportation through the Connect Caribé initiative.
This partnership, which centers on the exchange of vital information and expertise, is touted as a significant step towards boosting regional trade and logistics, driving economic growth and development across the Caribbean.
On Friday, June 12, the two partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Guyana’s Arthur Chung Conference Centre on the final day of the 2024 Caribbean Investment Forum.
Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, highlighted the shared goals and positive impact of Connect Caribé, the private-sector-led Caribbean ferry project, and its effects on the future of regional commerce. He also expressed the full support of Caribbean Export for such a project led by Pleion Group Inc.
“This is one of the successes that have come out of the Caribbean Investment Forum. It’s not just about meetings, having a full room, or talks. It’s about actions, and this is a prime example,” Dr. Sinanan highlighted.
H.E. Ambassador Andre Thomas, Chairman and CEO of Pleion Global Group Inc., credited the partnership’s birth to participating in a roundtable on transportation and logistics forum at the CIF two years ago.
“Our project equation is about four parts, and all were found at CIF. So, I must say [Pleion Global Group Inc. is] excited to sign this much-needed initiative to move from concept to reality,” Ambassador Thomas explained.
Connect Caribe
The Pleion Global Group Inc.’s project, ‘Connect Caribe,’ was established to enhance regional trade and logistics within the Caribbean by facilitating the movement of people and cargo.
Initially, the project focused on transporting heavy and light cargo and agricultural produce. Over time, passenger movement was added with ferry routes to several regional destinations. This project will undoubtedly revolutionize transportation, with a ripple effect that, once fully operational, will boost economic growth in the Caribbean region.
Caribbean Export is the regional trade and investment promotion agency focused on accelerating the economic transformation of the Caribbean.
