BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, December 20, 2010 - “The Brazil/Guyana partial scope agreement provides an important opportunity for the export manufacturing sector in the Federation”, so says Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris, Senior Minister and Minister of Industry and Commerce.
Under this agreement Brazil and Guyana have special access to each other’s market. This has led to an expansion of trade. St. Kitts and Nevis is seeking duty free and quota free access to Brazil’s market for certain products.
Dr. Harris was at the time updating Parliament on his ministry’s efforts to have St. Kitts and Nevis acceded to the agreement. Dr Harris said that Brazil was the largest market in Latin American and the Caribbean and access to this market could enhance the viability of Kajola Kristada, Harowe Servo and Lutron Liamuiga and other entities for which special access would enhance their market presence and penetration in Brazil.
Minister Harris said the manufacturing sector contributed about 10 percent of gross domestic product and over 2000 jobs.
“Every assistance must be given to help the sector to consolidate, enhance its competitiveness and further contribute to jobs and incomes” the Industry and Commerce Minister added.
Dr. Harris said that Brazil has agreed to St. Kitts accession to the agreement.
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has requested technical assistance from the CARICOM Secretariat to draft the relevant protocols that would make accession a reality for the Federation.
