Dustin Rennie at CAF Economic Forum
Belize Private Sector Leaders Dustin Rennie and Luigi Wewege Represent at International Economic Forum 2026
Belize’s growing influence in the regional financial and development landscape was on full display this week as Dustin Rennie, Director of RE/MAX Belize, and Luigi Wewege, President of Caye International Bank, attended the International Economic Forum Latin America and the Caribbean 2026. Organized by CAF (Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean), the forum—often described as the “Davos of Latin America”—brought together global leaders, including seven heads of state, one president-elect, more than 30 official delegations, and over 400 bilateral meetings, as well as 50 panel discussions. The forum also invited top-tier investors to discuss the region’s economic future.
The high-level forum, held in Panama City, convened heads of state, policymakers, multilateral institutions, investors, and business leaders from across the region to discuss economic growth, investment, sustainability, and regional integration. The event has become one of the most influential economic gatherings in Latin America and the Caribbean, often described as a regional counterpart to the World Economic Forum.
Rennie and Wewege attended the forum as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Belize’s engagement with regional development institutions and to position the country as a strategic partner for investment and sustainable growth within CAF’s expanding Caribbean focus.
Belize Represented at CAF International Forum
Belize: A Strategic Bridge for Regional Integration
The participation of Rennie and Wewege underscores Belize’s unique role as a bridge between the Caribbean (CARICOM) and Central America (SICA). Throughout the sessions, the duo engaged with CAF leadership and international delegates to advocate for Belize’s potential as a primary destination for sustainable investment and a key player in CAF’s expanding Caribbean footprint.
The Role of CAF in Belize’s Growth
As CAF aims to expand its regional members and portfolio, Belize is positioned to partner with CAF resources to catalyze several key sectors:
- Infrastructure & Logistics: Attracting development financing for sustainable development and infrastructure.
- Sustainable Tourism: CAF aims to move beyond simple “sustainability” (preserving what exists) toward “regeneration”—ensuring that tourism activities actively improve and restore the ecosystems and communities they touch.
- Blue & Green Economy: Aligning with CAF’s commitment to be the “Green and Blue Bank” of the region through sustainable tourism and marine conservation.
- Real Estate & Foreign Investment: Promoting responsible development and long-term economic planning.
Dustin Rennie reflected on the importance of private-sector leadership at these high-level summits. “Tourism is a cornerstone of the Belizean economy, and the investment in Belize is evolving toward accessibility and sustainability,” Rennie noted. “Our presence here ensures that Belize is not merely a recipient of regional policy, but an active contributor to the conversations shaping the future of Caribbean real estate and economic growth.”
During the forum, Rennie emphasized that Belize is no longer just a passive participant in regional policy. He positioned the country as a strategic bridge between Central America (SICA) and the Caribbean (CARICOM), highlighting how large-scale infrastructure funding from CAF can serve as a catalyst for modernizing Belize’s development and attracting institutional investors.
A Milestone for National Visibility
The attendance of Rennie and Wewege follows a series of strategic international engagements for Belize, signaling a shift toward more proactive participation in multilateral financial forums. Their collaboration at the CAF Forum reinforces the message that Belize’s private sector is prepared to lead in attracting foreign direct investment and fostering public-private partnerships.
Engagement at forums such as this reinforces Belize’s commitment to sustainable growth, regional cooperation, and attracting high-quality investment aligned with national development goals.
The participation of Dustin Rennie & Luigi Wewege highlighted the value of public-private collaboration in advancing Belize’s economic interests and ensuring that the country remains engaged in shaping regional development strategies.
Belize Panama Commerce & Investment Council