CARIFORUM Reviews Progress on Landmark Trade Pact with European Union

National coordinators responsible for implementing the CARIFORUM-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) have reviewed progress in the execution of the landmark trade accord, with a renewed focus on maximizing its benefits for member states and advancing regional economic integration.

The review took place during the Sixteenth Meeting of National EPA Coordinators, Heads of National EPA Implementation Units, held on June 25, 2026, at the CARICOM Secretariat in Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

The meeting brought together National EPA Coordinators and regional trade officials from CARIFORUM member states to assess implementation of the trade agreement, exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation in accordance with Article 234 of the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.

According to the CARIFORUM Directorate, discussions focused on the progress made in implementing the Agreement and identifying ways to enhance coordination among participating states as they seek to expand trade and investment opportunities with the European Union.

Participants also examined the status of the EPA component of the European Union Support to CARIFORUM Programme, which provides technical and financial assistance to help member states implement their commitments under the Agreement.

In addition, the meeting received an update on the outcomes of the Fifth Meeting of the CARIFORUM-EU Joint Council, which was held in the Dominican Republic on June 19, 2026. The Joint Council is the highest decision-making body established under the Agreement and is responsible for overseeing its implementation and addressing issues affecting trade relations between CARIFORUM and the European Union.

The meeting was chaired by Marienna Hyar, Head of the Market Access Department within the Directorate of Trade Integration of the Dominican Republic’s Vice Ministry of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs.

Hyar highlighted the positive impact the programme has had on participating countries.

She “lauded the benefits of the Programme at the national level in helping States maximise the benefits of the trade Agreement.”

The meeting was organised by the CARIFORUM Directorate at the CARICOM Secretariat, which is responsible for coordinating implementation of the Agreement among CARIFORUM states.

The CARIFORUM-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement, signed in 2008 by 14 CARIFORUM states and the European Union, is one of the Caribbean’s most significant trade agreements. It provides duty-free and quota-free access for most CARIFORUM exports to the EU market while establishing a framework for strengthening trade and investment relations, promoting sustainable development and encouraging deeper regional integration.

Beyond trade in goods, the Agreement also covers services, investment, competition policy, public procurement and development cooperation, with the aim of improving the competitiveness of Caribbean economies and facilitating greater participation in international markets.

Officials said the latest meeting formed part of CARIFORUM’s continuing efforts to ensure that member states effectively implement the Agreement and capitalize on the economic opportunities available under the partnership with the European Union.