(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) – CARIFORUM States met on Monday, 15 September 2025 to prepare for an engagement with the EU Party in the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Simplification of the Rules of Origin. The JWG was established to make recommendations for the review of rules of origin under Protocol I to the CARIFORUM- European Union Economic Partnership Agreement.
Protocol I sets out detailed rules that determine whether a product qualifies as “originating,” which is critical for confirming eligibility for preferential tariff treatment under the EPA. As technological advancements continue to revolutionise manufacturing, product delivery and data management systems, several trade processes are simultaneously evolving.
The Director of Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy of Dominica, Mr. Matthan Walter chaired the meeting and was supported by the Trade in Goods Specialist, Mr. Sean Taylor of the CARIFORUM Directorate.