In a move designed to increase understanding of trade issues among secondary and tertiary level students, business people and the general public, the OECS Secretariat has published a new booklet on international trade.

“Understanding International Trade” explains the trading system from the perspective of the Eastern Caribbean, and breaks down the complex technical jargon into simple, easy to read language.  There are also accompanying photographs, diagrams and cartoon depictions.

Issues covered include economic integration in the Caribbean, with the focus on the OECS, CARICOM and the CSME.  The Booklet also explains the ongoing negotiations for the Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union and the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).  There is a section on the origin, evolution and various mechanisms of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the effects on small vulnerable economies from participation in its multilateral negotiations. The challenges for banana and sugar exports and the future for these crops are explored.  The publication also focuses attention on the critical services sector, covering tourism, financial services and information and communication technology, and addressing the OECS interests.  The booklet concludes by looking to the way forward, recommending new approaches, including a role for the private sector.

The booklet was written by former OECS Ambassador to Brussels, St. Lucian Mr. Edwin Lauren and its production was coordinated by the CIDA-funded OECS Trade Policy Project.  The preface was written by UWI Professor of International Relations of the Caribbean, Dr. Vaughn Lewis, and the foreword by the OECS Director General Dr. Len Ishmael.

The official launch will take place on Friday, September 1st during the Opening Ceremony for the OECS Trade Ministers meeting at the Bay Gardens Hotel in St. Lucia.  Distribution will take place in all OECS Member Countries.