The OECS Geneva Technical Mission participated in the UNCTAD Multiyear Expert Meeting (MYEM) on Transport and Trade Facilitation, which was held on 8-10 December 2009. The OECS Secretariat joined other developing countries to share experiences in building collaborative platforms and using these to facilitate trade facilitation reforms. The OECS has been working towards the establishment of multiagency trade facilitation task forces in each Member State to coordinate participation in the multilateral negotiations on trade facilitation. A broader role is envisaged for these entities in respect of advancing domestic and regional policy objectives that relate to trade facilitation and identify and coordinate the implementation of reform programmes.
The TPU Prepares to Implement IADB Trade Capacity Building Project
The OECS Secretariat has secured a CDN$376,800 project with the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) to provide support to the Trade Policy Unit. This week, Secretariat staff has been working to prepare the documentation to kick start the project with the first disbursement of funds. The project comprises six components namely designing a market intelligence system, institutional strengthening, private sector capacity building and technical studies and consultation to support the participation of the OECS Member States in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations.
OECS Secretariat helps to launch the CSME Trade and Competitiveness Project in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
The Trade Policy Unit participated in the launch of one of the components of the CSME Trade and Competitiveness Project in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on December 10th 2009. The launch was attended by members of the National Coordinating Committee and Government officials. The consultants Mr. Kerrie Simmons and Dr. Noel Watson are expected to complete their review of the legislative framework and administrative practices of St. Vincent and the Grenadines by the end of January 2010. The CSME Trade and Competitiveness Project is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
The next issue of UpDate will treat with regional and international trade issues.
