China's Blue Silk Road Initiative seen as opportunity for Caribbean growth

China's Blue Silk Road Initiative could create new opportunities for the Caribbean in areas such as maritime development, tourism, trade and climate resilience, according to speakers at a regional forum in Trinidad and Tobago.

The topic was explored during the "China-Caribbean Cooperation Amid a Changing World" conference hosted at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business.

Dr. Char Yu, Director of the Institute of Latin America Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said greater cooperation in port development and logistics could strengthen trade links between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans while opening new economic opportunities for Caribbean nations.

She also highlighted potential collaboration in marine conservation, offshore aquaculture and seawater desalination, noting that these areas align with China's Blue Silk Road vision and could benefit small island developing states. Dr. Yu said China is also interested in supporting the Caribbean's efforts to strengthen climate resilience and disaster preparedness.

Marine scientist Dr. Judith Gobin welcomed the proposal, saying Caribbean countries would benefit from partnerships in deep-sea exploration, an area where the region lacks the specialised vessels and technology needed for research.

She noted that only a tiny fraction of the world's deep ocean has been explored and said previous research in Trinidad and Tobago's waters uncovered more than 150 species previously unknown to science.

Economist Dr. Indera Sagewan said the blue economy has the potential to become a major driver of Caribbean development. She also encouraged efforts to attract a greater share of China's growing outbound tourism market, arguing that even a small increase in Chinese visitors could provide a significant boost to the region's tourism industry.

Tourism adviser Shanell Sutherland of the Association of Caribbean States said increasing awareness of the Caribbean among Chinese travellers should be a priority. She also called for greater collaboration in digital marketing, tourism promotion and early warning systems to help Caribbean countries better prepare for climate-related disasters.

The discussion also examined opportunities to strengthen trade and economic ties between China and the Caribbean through expanded maritime and transport links.