Puerto Rico Pitches Investors a Future Without ‘Training Wheels’

Five years ago, Puerto Rico’s sprawling Convention Center served as an emergency operation center after Hurricane Maria battered the island.

This week, the complex -- complete with a zip line, movie theater and dining esplanade -- is at the heart of attempts by local officials to convince investors that the Caribbean island’s future is brighter than its past. The event attracted about 500 municipal-bond professionals as well as investors seeking opportunities in real estate, innovation and biotechnology.

Puerto Rico is emerging from a record bankruptcy just as $79 billion in federal reconstruction funds -- much of it tied to the ...