April 2010
Trade Policy Unit assists member states to phase out export subsidy programmes
The Trade Policy Unit continued its preparations for a consultation that was held on May 3 – 4, 2010 in Saint Lucia to assist Member States to prepare their notifications to the WTO due on June 30, 2010 that set out their plans to phase out export subsidy programmes by 2015. The consultation will also discuss international best practices in the use of WTO compatible measures such as business facilitation and infrastructure to attract investment and increase competitiveness. The fact that export subsidy programmes are not compatible with the WTO Agreement means OECS governments must utlise alternative measures to support their enterprises. The consultation will be financed by the Hubs and Spokes Project.
OECS Trade Officials to discuss a response to the phasing-out of government financial support linked to export sales.
Hub and Spokes Project assists Member states prepare market access offers for the new agreement with Canada
The Hub and Spokes Project is providing technical support to trade officials to prepare their market access offers for the new trade agreement with Canada. Representatives of the Project visited St. Kitts/Nevis, Antigua/Barbuda and Dominica to meet with companies, trade, agriculture, finance and customs officials to discuss matters related to the items that will be excluded from tariff reduction, subject to phased tariff reduction and those for which tariff will be reduced with a view to preparing a listing of items that can be discussed with other members of OECS and CARICOM.
Trade Policy Unit prepare officials to participate in services and investment talks with Canada
On 30th April The Trade Policy Unit convened a video conference to prepare officials who will be participating in the upcoming Technical Working Group on Services and Investment during 10-14th May 2010 in Barbados. The meeting discussed the textual proposals on matters such as business facilitation and other issues such as a draft OECS schedule of market access commitments on services. The new agreement will set out the conditions under which OECS manufacturers, farmers and service providers will trade with Canada.
The next issue of UpDate will treat with regional and international trade issues.
Email contact: tpu@oecs.org
An Update from the OECS Trade Policy Unit on Trade Matters of Importance to the Sub Region
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