Caribbean exporters to participate in major regional business roundtable in Panama

…as over 200 buyers from 20 countries confirmed for Business Matchmaking Forum

More than 205 international buying companies from the United States (US), Europe, Asia, and Latin America have already registered for the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean’s (CAF’s) Latin America and Caribbean Business Matchmaking Forum, titled: Connection to the Global Market. The event will be held on 29 and 30 January 2026 at the Panama Convention Centre in Panama City. Exporters from across the Caribbean are being encouraged to participate. The call for participation remains open until 22 December 2025.
This high-level commercial gathering is part of CAF’s flagship annual event, the International Economic Forum – Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC 2026), which will bring together more than 2,500 business leaders, investors, Government authorities, innovators, global experts and international development agencies to analyse the region’s economic outlook and strategic opportunities and help strengthen its position on the global geopolitical map. The confirmed buyers come from Germany, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Spain, the US, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. They are actively seeking suppliers across a wide range of sectors, including agrifood, textiles and apparel, chemicals, manufacturing, cosmetics, software and technology, and construction materials.
CAF expects the forum will host more than 4,000 one-on-one meetings between buyers and 300 exporters from LAC. Each participating entrepreneur will receive between 16 and 28 pre-scheduled meetings, condensing what would usually require several weeks of travel and individual prospecting into just a day and a half. This makes the Forum an especially valuable opportunity for Caribbean businesses seeking to scale exports, access new markets, or diversify trading partners.
“This Business Roundtable is a concrete opportunity for entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF. “In addition to participating in the plenary sessions of the International Economic Forum on the challenges and opportunities of the region, companies will be able to establish commercial and business partnerships with buyers who are actively looking for products and services from our region in strategic sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing and technology.”
By integrating the Business Roundtable into the International Economic Forum, CAF is ensuring that high-level dialogue leads to tangible business outcomes for participants. The Forum’s agenda covers trade and investment flows, air connectivity and tourism, artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy, sustainable mining, and the energy transition, topics that are particularly relevant for the region.
Registration and participation in the Business Matchmaking Forum are free for entrepreneurs and all exporting companies that register will receive access to professional matchmaking services that align supply with demand, special discounts on airfare and hotel accommodation, and dedicated follow-up support to help advance the commercial opportunities generated during the event.
Exporting companies from across the Caribbean and Latin America can register at www.matchmaking-forum-caf.com until December 22, 2025. Space is limited.

About CAF
We are a development bank committed to supporting the countries of LAC and improving the quality of life in the region. Our actions promote sustainable development and regional integration. We serve the public and private sectors, providing multiple products and services to a broad client base of 24 member countries, private companies, and financial institutions.