The CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean continues to position its annual International Economic Forum in Panama as the region’s emerging equivalent of Davos, offering a permanent, high-level platform for dialogue on economic integration, competitiveness, sustainability, and long-term development strategy across Latin America and the Caribbean
Held on January 28 and 29, 2026, the forum convened approximately 5,000 invited leaders from across the region, alongside senior international delegations from Denmark, Italy, Qatar, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. The event further reinforced Panama’s growing role as a central convening hub for international dialogue on finance, trade, innovation, and policy coordination.
Belize were represented at the forum by Luigi Wewege, President of Caye International Bank, and Dustin Bayne Rennie, Director of REMAX Belize. Both executives are headquartered on Ambergris Caye island, and their participation highlighted the island’s increasing engagement in regional economic dialogue, as well as its growing visibility within international financial and investment circles.
The forum featured extensive participation from Heads of State and Government, including José Raúl Mulino, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Gustavo Petro, Daniel Noboa, Bernardo Arévalo, Andrew Holness, and José Antonio Kast. Their collective presence reinforced the forum’s stature as a key venue for shaping regional economic priorities and strengthening policy coordination across Latin America and the Caribbean.
“Throughout the forum, discussions consistently emphasized the importance of deeper economic integration, improved competitiveness, and the strategic deployment of capital to support sustainable growth,” said Luigi Wewege. “CAF continues to play a pivotal convening role by bringing together political leadership, multilateral institutions, and private-sector stakeholders in a setting that encourages pragmatic dialogue, policy alignment, and long-term investment thinking.”
A central theme running through the agenda was the acceleration of digital infrastructure, cross-border capital flows, and innovation-driven growth, areas of increasing relevance for smaller economies and international financial centers such as Belize. Panels and roundtable discussions emphasized regulatory clarity, financial inclusion, correspondent banking connectivity, and technology-enabled financial services as essential components of economic resilience.
The forum’s keynote address, Transforming Growth: How AI and the Digital Economy Are Redefining Competitiveness, was delivered by renowned futurist Michio Kaku. His remarks offered forward-looking perspectives on how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping productivity, labor markets, and national competitiveness, underscoring the urgency for both developed and developing economies to invest in digital capabilities while ensuring inclusive access and responsible governance.
Beyond the formal program, the forum provided valuable opportunities for bilateral engagement and informal discussions among policymakers, financial institutions, and private-sector leaders. These exchanges explored how smaller economies and international financial centers can better integrate into regional value chains, attract diversified investment, and leverage technology to overcome structural constraints.
For Belize and Ambergris Caye in particular, the forum underscored the growing importance of sound financial governance, sustainable tourism investment, and digital financial services in supporting long-term economic stability. As regional and global capital increasingly seeks jurisdictions offering transparency, resilience, and innovation, Belize’s role as a well-regulated international banking and investment hub continues to gain attention.
Reflecting on the event, Dustin Rennie noted that he was pleased to contribute to regional discussions that advance inclusive and sustainable development for Belize and the wider Caribbean, particularly in areas related to responsible investment, real estate development, and long-term economic planning.
The participation of Ambergris Caye-based institutions at this landmark forum reflects a broader commitment to proactive regional engagement and thought leadership, ensuring that Belize remains aligned with evolving global standards, investor expectations, and development priorities across Latin America and the Caribbean.
