Representatives from CARIFORUM member states and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) convened in Belize from March 17–19 to officially launch the second phase of a regional initiative aimed at strengthening innovation and intellectual property (IP) systems across the Caribbean.
The launch marked the start of Phase II of the EU-funded CARIFORUM Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation (CarIPI II) Project, which was introduced during a three-day event co-hosted by the Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO). The meeting brought together a broad group of stakeholders, including representatives from the European Commission, EU Delegation to Barbados, CARICOM Secretariat, CARIFORUM, national IP offices, and coordinators of the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
Delegates reviewed progress made between April 2025 and March 2026 before endorsing a second Annual Work Plan outlining key activities and technical support to be implemented over the next year. The new phase builds on the gains of the first CarIPI project (2019–2024), which contributed to the modernisation and harmonisation of intellectual property systems across participating states.
Discussions during the event also highlighted the growing importance of Geographical Indications (GIs), with regional examples such as Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan and Saint Lucia Rum underscoring the economic and cultural value of origin-linked products. Participants explored how commodities like cocoa and rum can boost rural development, support sustainable tourism, preserve biodiversity, and enhance access to premium international markets. The programme also saw the introduction of the CarIPI II Mentorship Programme.
The event concluded with a study visit to BELIPO, where participants were given insight into Belize’s IP administration and the digital tools supporting modern IP management. CarIPI Phase II, implemented by the EUIPO, began operations in April 2025 and will run for 48 months, focusing on strengthening IP frameworks, supporting creators and businesses, and enhancing the Caribbean’s competitiveness in a global innovation-driven economy.
