In a challenge to the 20th Special Meeting of the CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belize, the Hon, Eamon Courtenay asserted that “Current trends in trade relations demand a direct response rather than subtlety”. Given this view, he has charged the meeting now underway in Montego Bay, Jamaica, to engage in frank political dialogue and to act decisively.
As part of his opening remarks at the Meeting on Strategic Issues in External Trade Negotiations, at the Rose Hall Resort, the Minister pointed to the challenges the Region faces in the global arena and declared “the time for vacillating has ended”.
Minister Courtenay said further; “This meeting must produce tangible results. Decisions must be taken and clear directions must be given … We need frank political dialogue and advice from our experts. The time now is for political decisions and guidance. I believe we will serve ourselves best by a frank discussion, respectful discussion. We have differing views but a common objective.”
The two-day meeting is being held against the background of advanced negotiations on the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), the restart of World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations, the imminent expiration of the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), the establishment of the CARICOM Single Economy, the emergence of China as an economic super power and the rapid development of India which change the dynamics of the external arena. The sugar and banana industries in the Region continue to face difficulties from the erosion of preferential treatment.
The Community has registered its concern over the apparent less-than-enlightened approach the European Union (EU) has taken in its emerging relations with countries of the Caribbean, particularly with regard to the EPAs. The emphasis of the EU on a more market-oriented approach to trade relations must take account of the capabilities of the Caribbean states.
In his remarks, Minister Courtenay also referred to the new United States Congress and queried whether the interests of that body and the Caribbean Community coincided.
Jamaica Foreign Trade and Foreign Relations Minister, the Hon. Mr. Anthony Hylton shared the view that there was need for a critical examination of the Region’s position.
“Let us use the next two days to critically examine where we stand on the issues before us- let us frankly assess where our interests lie and reach agreement as a unified group on a way forward. Our goals are complex and challenging- as Caribbean people we are known for our ability to confront challenges and to surmount them,” Mr. Hylton said.
Secretary-General, His Excellency Edwin Carrington, at the brief opening ceremony, welcomed the delegates to the meeting and pointed to “the propitious juncture” at which the meeting was taking place.
“Given the changing global and regional environment, you will need to take stock of our existing and prospective trading relationships as regards their actual and potential contribution to our internal development initiatives, in particular their contribution to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy and the OECS Economic Union. Moreover, you will need to pay special regard to the progress or otherwise and to any necessary adjustment, in the negotiation for an EPA with a Europe no longer comprised only of our traditional partners,” the Secretary-General told the meeting.
He added that delegates needed to look carefully at the changing configuration of the Region’s trading relationship as new bilateral arrangements among regional players are embraced.
In addition to discussing the Region’s external trading relationships in a changing global environment, negotiations for Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Doha agenda, the meeting will also consider CARIFORUM and Joint Commitments, as well as sugar and bananas.
On February 5-6, a Joint Meeting of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committees on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and External Trade Negotiations will be held at the Ritz Carlton, Montego Bay. On the agenda of that forum is the state of the regional economy and the unfolding international economic environment. The meeting is expected to develop clear strategic guidelines and targets for the respective issues for the consideration of the Heads at their Inter-Sessional Meeting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on February 12-14.
The core members of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on External Trade are Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago while those of the CSME are Chair Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.
