Prior to the existence of the Unit, the Trade Negotiations Group was established in 2002. The Group’s main task is to facilitate effective policy formulation on the external negotiations issues and also to enhance the level of OECS participation in the various negotiating theatres. The Group is comprised of officials from the independent Member States, representatives of the private sector and the OECS Secretariat. Dialogue with the OECS Private Sector is facilitated mainly through the OECS Trade Negotiations Group. The Trade Policy Unit provides critical technical support to the work of the TNG.

The deliberations of the TNG are submitted to Ministers of Trade and decisions from this forum are sent to the OECS Authority (Heads of Government) for ratification.

The OECS perspective on trade matters are tabled at meetings of the CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development and at meetings of the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government.

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There is also The OECS Business Forum.

The Forum was established in 2005 it aims to achieve the following:

• A strategy for impacting the Heads of Government economic development agenda, central to which would be the engagement of the OECS Secretariat.
• Exchange of information and structured networking.
• Common understanding and agreement on the issues relevant to private sector development.
• Agreement on the role of the private sector in the OECS economic development.
• Commitment to proceed towards the creation of the Private Sector Organisation of the OECS.

An Interim Council was established from amongst the participating organizations to, work towards the establishment of a permanent OECS private sector entity which will.  

• Provide a single voice for dealing with the issues.
• Enhance the private sector involvement in harmonized OECS policy.
• Partner with the OECS on the Puerto Rico initiative.
• Address the transition and adjustment process.
• Identify instruments for financing OECS transition and adjustment.
• Evaluate the impact of the CSME on smaller economies.
• Examine the benefits of the proposed Development Fund in the context of small regional producers.
• Treat with production integration.
• Review the OECS development strategy.
• Host the OECS Business Forum at least twice yearly
• Create a credible and string OECS Private Sector Organization that can represent the regional private sector and interface and dialogue productively with the various institutions of the OECS including the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the OECS Secretariat and the OECS Authority