CARICOM Development Fund Hosts the Ambassador of Finland to the Caribbean

On February 14, 2018 the CDF hosted the Ambassador of Finland to the Caribbean H.E. Jukka Pietikainen. The visit was part of the continuing relationship between the CDF and the Government of Finland which provided financial resources to the CDF during the agency’s first contribution cycle, to execute its mandate in the region.

The Ambassador was given an update on the utilization of grant resources provided by his Government, in support of climate change related projects in CDF member countries. Timelines to completion of ongoing projects were agreed by the two parties, and discussions held on the prospect of continuing support for the work of the CDF in the Caribbean Community.

The Ambassador expressed an interest and willingness to facilitate the provision of support (including technical assistance and vocational training) for development of the shipping sector in the region, an area in which Finland is a world leader. This is also an area of interest for the CDF, arising from its ongoing dialogue with member states, and will therefore form part of the discussions with the Government of Finland during the CDF’s current funding cycle.