Economic Integration
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Coordinated approach necessary for consistent application of vat systems – tax officials
Participants at a recent tax outreach programme underscored the need for a coordinated, inclusive approach to international standards to support the consistent application of national VAT systems and effective taxation of digital services. The virtual workshop, held on 4 March, was convened under the theme- VAT: Digital Trade, Design and Implementation. It was co-hosted by the Caribbean Community/Caribbean Organisation of Tax Administrators…
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CDB President Charts Decisive Decade for Caribbean Resilience
President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB, the Bank), Mr. Daniel M. Best, has unveiled a transformative agenda to position the Region for long-term resilience, calling this period the Caribbean’s “decade of decision.” Speaking at the Bank’s Annual News Conference on 3 March, President Best underscored the scale of the moment, noting that heightened geopolitical tensions, climate volatility, technological disruption, and shifting global supply chains are reshaping the global…
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CARICOM Heads endorse Community Industrial Policy Strategy and Framework
CARICOM Heads of Government have endorsed the draft Community Industrial Policy Strategy and Framework (CIPSF). Chair of CARICOM, the Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, announced the endorsement at the conclusion of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in St. Kitts and Nevis. “Heads of Government endorsed the…
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COMMUNIQUÉ – 123rd Special Meeting of COTED – Environment and Sustainable Development
The One Hundred and Twenty-Third Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) – Environment and Sustainable Development was convened via videoconference on 30 January 2026. Under the chairmanship of the Honorable Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management, Ministers addressed debriefed key international environmental negotiating processes from 2025 focused on climate…
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Modernisation of CARICOM Financial Sector in focus in Trinidad and Tobago
Efforts to modernise the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) financial sector are accelerating as regional Central Banks, regulators, stock exchanges, private-sector stakeholders, and development partners work to align the Region’s financial architecture with global standards. Regional financial leaders and experts are in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, for a two-day forum aimed at strengthening CARICOM’s financial foundation and making it more inclusive, coherent,…
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Regional Trade and Resilience Key amid Climate Shocks, Says CARICOM Secretary-General
“The experience leaves us in no doubt about the urgency of addressing the existential threats posed by climate change and the need to redouble our efforts to build resilience and foster sustainable development across our Region,” Dr Barnett stated. “Strengthening our trade and economic performance is a critical part of this, and COTED must continue to play its important role…
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CARICOM Secretary-General calls for stronger regional trade and economic resilience in the face of climate threats
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, today delivered remarks at the 61st Regular Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED). In her address, Dr Barnett underscored CARICOM’s solidarity with Member States severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa and reaffirmed the Council’s vital role in advancing regional trade and economic resilience. She emphasised that as the Region continues…
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