Author: Michele Marius

For decades, exports in the Caribbean meant sugar, bauxite, or tourism. But as countries recognise the need for greater economic diversification and resilience, more substantial inroads must be made in the technology exports sector, which can also bolster countries’ economic development. We revisit a conversation we had in 2024 with Vashti Maharaj, the Adviser, Digital Trade Policy, of the Commonwealth Secretariat, in which we discussed, among other things;: defining the concept of technology as an export; factors hindering the growth of the technology export sector in the region; important trade agreements that can benefit Caribbean technology exporters; and advice she would give to a Caribbean tech entrepreneur looking to expand internationally.