Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

On September 18, the launch ceremony of the Korea-Caribbean Agricultural Research Innovation Platform (KoCARIP) was held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, with the participation of Ambassador Seijoong Kwon, Dr. Hyo-won Seo, Deputy Administrator of the Rural Development Administration (RDA), Mr. Wendell Samuel, Assistant Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Senator the Hon. Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Ansari Hosein, Executive Director of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), as well as ministerial-level representatives from 10 member states.

KoCARIP: A multilateral cooperation framework between Korea and CARICOM to support agricultural technology development in 14 Caribbean countries, with the goal of enhancing food security and advancing sustainable agricultural development.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Administrator Seo noted, “KoCARIP is expected to go beyond a simple exchange of technology to make a significant contribution to sustainable agricultural development. The RDA will continue to strengthen joint research and technology exchanges with Caribbean countries to address food security and climate change.”

Ambassador Kwon, in his congratulatory remarks, emphasized, “KoCARIP holds great significance as a platform for Korea and the Caribbean to work together to overcome common challenges and achieve sustainable agricultural development. As Caribbean nations pursue sustainable growth and economic diversification, I hope that agricultural cooperation with Korea will help agriculture become a key industry in the region.”

Mr. Ansari Hosein, Executive Director of CARDI, expressed his expectations by stating, “Korea’s strong capacity in agricultural research and technology will be a powerful asset in advancing agricultural innovation in the Caribbean.”

At the ceremony, participants adopted the Declaration on the KoCARIP Vision, affirming their shared commitment to building a resilient and sustainable agricultural ecosystem, based on Korea’s agricultural technology and research expertise.