CARIFORUM States review CARIFORUM–EU Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation of Trade in Goods Commitments

(CARIFORUM Directorate, CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) – The Fourteenth Meeting of National EPA Coordinators and Heads of National EPA Implementation Units from CARIFORUM States convened on 28 January to assess the progress in implementing the trade in goods commitments under the CARIFORUM-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

The Meeting was chaired by Ms. Marienna Hyar, Head of the Market Access of Goods Division, Vice Ministry for Economic Affairs and International Cooperation, Dominican Republic who underscored the importance of regularly assessing implementation progress and agreeing on concrete actions to advance the effective operation of the EPA.

Director General of CARIFORUM, Ms. Alexis Downes Amsterdam, reminded the participants that under the EU’s Support to CARIFORUM Programme, National EPA Coordinators are expected to meet each quarter to monitor the implementation of the EPA. She noted that the meeting’s dedicated focus on the trade in goods commitments would enable more targeted dialogue and help Coordinators to better address specific implementation challenges.

During the interface, participants exchanged views on the technical, legal, and administrative measures required to give effect to the trade in goods commitments under the EPA. They also discussed opportunities to strengthen national and regional coordination mechanisms to ensure that CARIFORUM States continue to benefit from the Agreement.

Signed in 2008 by CARIFORUM States and the European Union and its Member States, the EPA aims to enhance trade and investment flows, support sustainable development, and deepen regional integration.

The meeting was organised by the CARIFORUM Directorate, which is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Agreement across CARIFORUM States. The CARIFORUM Directorate is based in the CARICOM Secretariat.