BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Partial Scope Agreement, which has been in limbo for a number of years, is one of the priorities that Minister of International Trade Hon. Lindsay Grant would be focusing on for this year.
This triangular agreement is among Brazil, Guyana and St. Kitts and Nevis, which would provide manufacturers in the two CARICOM member states the opportunity of a near zero percent tariff entry into Portuguese-speaking South American country’s market.
Since the agreement was signed in 2012, there has been little trade between Brazil and the twin island Federation.
In an interview with a local media house in September 2016, Minister Grant had indicated that plans were afoot to have discussions with Brazil’s resident Ambassador to the Federation.
He had stated that a task force was established with a view to engage the Ambassador who would in turn relay the concerns to his Government.
Speaking with reporters at the recent opening of the first retail shop at the Christophe Harbour Marina, Grant stated that the issue has been a long overdue and outstanding matter that needs to be addressed at the earliest opportunity.
“As many would know, the Partial Scope Agreement has been stuck in the woods for the past eight years. We have been pressing on with that to ensure that something happens. I think that we are a little bit further on.
“We have told the Brazilians all that we at the St. Kitts and Nevis end have done what we had to do. It is now left up to the Brazilian Government to move the process on. We have indicated to them: ‘Hey, look it has been eight years, it has been long overdue, tell us what you really want. Is it we are going to have the Partial Scope Agreement or we are not going to have it?’”
Speaking emphatically on the matter, the Minister stressed that the Government would soon have to make a decision in order for the nation to know where it stands. He however insinuated that that there might be a breakthrough during this year.
“If we are not going to have it, that is fine. But if we are, then let us move the process onwards. I believe in 2017 we would see a movement in terms of finally getting the Partial Scope Agreement finally signed off.”
