CARICOM trade relations discussed at National Advisory Committee

The status of the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market Economy (CSME) as wells as matters related to the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) were discussed on Tuesday at a virtual meeting of the National Advisory Committee on External Negotiations (NACEN).

NACEN is a platform for engagement between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and representatives of the private sector, civil society, and academia on matters relating to the crafting, development, and execution of the country’s national trade policies.

During the first meeting of the year, Chair and Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud extended congratulations to the newly appointed Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is the seventh WTO Director-General and the first woman and African to hold the position.

The Foreign Secretary and officials of the Ministry provided updates on relevant trade matters and sought feedback from members. They also engaged in a discussion on trade agreements, specifically the Caribbean Forum-European Union (CARIFORUM-EU) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), and the Caribbean Forum-United Kingdom CARIFORUM-UK EPA.

Established on September 1, 1997, the body continues to serve as the main consultative body to the Ministry on the conduct of external negotiations and the Foreign Trade Policy Programme.