COTEDPress Releases

EIGHTH MEETING OF COTED UNDER WAY

Delegates to the Eighth Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) have begun deliberating a number of key “bread and butter” issues pertinent to the well-being of the people of the Region. They will map definitive action in response to a number of challenges facing it, at a two-day meeting which began today, 7 February, 2000 at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat Headquarters in Georgetown.

Matters on this COTED agenda include developments in trade, sustainable development, the services, industrial, and agricultural sectors, and matters relating to the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. There will also be an update on the negotiations of the CARICOM/Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement.

Speaking at the opening session, Secretary-General of CARICOM, Mr. Edwin Carrington said that this is going to be a critical year for the integration process as a result of heightened expectations among the Caribbean population, increased challenges on the international arena, and as such much more will be expected from CARICOM institutions. It was against this background that the Secretary-General appealed for the continued and full support of Member States in the process towards forging harmonious regional development, a process he sees as “the only road forward”.

Mr Carrington pledged “an intensified commitment by the Secretariat” to the tasks ahead and used the opportunity to introduce to delegates two new high-level staff members in the Secretariat’s hierarchy. They are Assistant Secretary-General, Foreign and Community Relations, Ambassador Albert Ramdhin of Suriname, who previously served as that country’s ambassador to the Organisation of American States; and Assistant Secretary-General, Human and Social Development, Professor Edward Green, former Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies.

In brief remarks, Chairperson of the Eighth COTED, Barbados’ Deputy Prime Minister with responsibilities for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Hon. Billie Miller, said this meeting should be used to resolve outstanding matters, and to set “strategic direction” for the way forward.

Host Minister, Hon. Geoffrey DaSilva welcomed delegates to Guyana, and assured them of the country’s continued commitment to work in the CARICOM group.

Delegates attending the meeting also observed one minute’s silence on the recent passing of Guyana’s Trade, Tourism and Industry Minister, Mr. Michael Shree Chand.

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