Trade Policy Unit and the Geneva Mission assist delegations participating in the WTO’s Ministerial Conference in Geneva Switzerland
Staff of the Trade Policy Unit and the OECS Mission in Geneva provided technical support to OECS delegations who attended the WTO Ministerial Conference held on November 30 to December 3. The Conference focused on the operations of the WTO. In their statements to the plenary sessions, OECS delegations highlighted the impact of the WTO rules on their economies and urged other members to continue to support the operation of the multilateral system. In the margins of the conference, delegations met with the WTO Director General and the Executive Director of the International Trade Centre and had bilateral meetings with other members. OECS delegates also contributed to the preparation of a CARICOM statement to the meeting.
OECS Member States commence negotiations with Canada
During the week of 10th November, OECS and other member states of CARICOM held their first negotiating round in Barbados with Canada for a Trade and Development Agreement. During that session the parties discussed matters such as trade in goods, services, agriculture and investment. The next round of negotiations will be held during in 2010 in preparation for this officials will be required to continue consultations with stakeholders on matters to be negotiated. The Trade Policy Unit will provide technical support to officials in this regard.
The next issue of UpDate will treat with regional and international trade issues.
