Deodat Maharaj

Executive Director, Caribbean Export Development Agency

Deodat Maharaj is the Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency, the Caribbean regional institution with the remit to support private sector development through export and to steer foreign direct investment to the Region.

Deodat, a national of Trinidad and Tobago, previously served as Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth, where he spearheaded the trade and investment agenda. He also served with the United Nations in senior roles in the field and at headquarters. He has extensive experience in international trade and investment in a career spanning 25 years. He recognises the importance of creating an enabling environment for business to succeed and the imperative of attracting foreign direct investment in regions such as ours.

He knows the Caribbean well, having lived and worked in Barbados, Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.