April 2011
OECS Trade officials take stock of developments in the WTO
Senior Trade Officials from the OECS-WTO Member States met in Roseau Dominica on 28-29th April 2011 to assess the developments in the current round of negotiations in the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The agenda covered all the key issues of relevance to the region including market access for agricultural and industrial goods, trade facilitation, fisheries subsidies, intellectual property rights, and services. Matters related to development assistance to gain increased benefits from trade (Aid for Trade) was also discussed in preparation for a Global Review of Aid for Trade to be held in Geneva, Switzerland in July.
The officials were updated on the state of play of the negotiations and provided OECS negotiators based at the Technical Mission in Geneva with guidance in key areas where WTO members have not reached agreement in order to ensure that the region defends its interests. Increased market access for agricultural and industrial goods and service providers continue to be of importance to the OECS. The OECS is also seeking policy flexibility to safeguard its domestic producers and support to explore market opportunities in developed countries. This meeting was funded by the Caribbean Integration Support Project (CISP), an initiative under the 9th EDF which also provides funding for the operation of the OECS Technical Mission in Geneva, and the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Hub & Spokes Programme.
The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce learns more about the CARICOM- Canada negotiations
The Trade Policy Unit and the CARICOM Office of Trade Negotiations collaborated to inform the members of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture about the CARICOM –Canada negotiations during a consultation held on 18-19th April. The consultation attended by members of the Chamber of Commerce as well as representatives of the public sector discussed topics such as investment, services and matters related to trade in goods. Members were interested in market access conditions for Canadian goods and service providers entering Saint Lucia. Members also made recommendations on the draft investment chapter in the proposed agreement and requests that can be made for to increase access to Canada’s services market.
The new agreement will set out the conditions under which OECS manufacturers, farmers and service providers will trade with Canada. The third negotiating round was held in Ottawa during the first week of April 2011.
If you have questions about trade policy 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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