Invited to participate in the meeting of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), in Argentina, Barnett explained that business with foreign capital has become very difficult in the past decade, especially since the beginning of the pandemic due to Covid-19, in 2020.
He added that for the progress of the 15 member countries of that integrative bloc, foreign investment, revitalization of the national private sector and creating a facilitating business environment is essential, the digital website Karikum Hui published.
The Caribbean leader said transformation in key divisions, such as ICT, requires access to finance, trained human resources, an appropriate regulatory framework and social inclusion policies.
In this regard, he noted that although the community – based in Guyana – is working on a regional digital development strategy, governments are aware of the differences between their countries on the path towards this development.
But he noted that countries are advancing in projects to provide online services in the public sector, digital infrastructure and agriculture, online payments, legislation and policies, support for the educational branch and others.
Subsequently, at the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean meeting, which concluded on Wednesday, Barnett referred to the energy transition as a long-term strategy for resilience, sovereignty and development.
He pointed out that the region needs about $20 billion to activate and modernize its energy matrix, and explained that most of the electricity generation systems depend on imported oil and its derivatives, in light of the fluctuation of global markets.
The Minister explained that with the support of regional institutions such as the Caribbean Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency and international partners, first steps are being taken in the field of sustainable energy, particularly in terms of policy, information and capacity development.
He also indicated the intention of the Caribbean region to attract investments to the agricultural sector, considering that today the region imports food worth nearly six billion dollars every year.
The goal is to increase productivity, value added and trade; Support the digitization of this branch through e-commerce and the adoption of advanced technologies to respond to the risks associated with climate change.
jha / mbv
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