China in the Caribbean: Trade, Investment, and Geopolitical Influence

China has been connected with the Caribbean community (CARICOM), and wider region for an extensive period. This relationship dates back to the colonial period of indentureship, when Chinese immigrants were brought to the region to work on sugar plantations. This historically enabled migration to the region which, over the years, has buoyed and indigenized various sectors of the economies in the Caribbean. The rapid growth of these developing economies and the associated increased integration with the global economy has had and continues to have direct and indirect effects on the CARICOM region and beyond.

This book contextualizes the relationship between CARICOM and China to help policymakers, development planners, and policy makers leverage opportunities available now and in the future.

The book highlights the historical trade and development linkages between China and CARICOM, considers the changing geopolitical landscape, and situates the role of China in CARICOM. It also proposes new opportunities to strengthen trade and development relations for the region and considers its geopolitical implications.

Roger Hosein is Professor in the economics department at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. He is also the coordinator of the Trade and Economic Development Unit (TEDU). Hosein is the author or coauthor of several books, including Economic Development and Implications of the Venezuelan Migrant Crisis (Palgrave Macmillan, 2022) and Oil and Gas in Trinidad and Tobago (Palgrave Macmillan, 2021).

Bhoendradatt Tewarie is former Pro Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development at The University of the West Indies and Founding Director of the Institute of Critical Thinking. He is the author or coauthor of several books, including Economic Development and Implications of the Venezuelan Migrant Crisis (Palgrave Macmillan, 2022).

Rebecca Gookool-Bosland is Lecturer in the economics department at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. She is coauthor of several books, including Economic Development and Implications of the Venezuelan Migrant Crisis (Palgrave Macmillan, 2022).