OECS Ministers Strategize on Approach to trade negotiations with Canada

~~Adz:Right~~ Basseterre, St. Kitts- OECS Ministers of Trade met in St. Lucia on Wednesday 25 September, under the Chairmanship of Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, Minister of Finance, Industry, Trade, Commerce and Consumer Affairs to discuss a range of trade issues including an approach to trade negotiations with Canada.

Ministers of Trade received a report from a Consultant entitled “Strategy and Approach to OECS Participation in Bilateral Negotiations with particular reference to Canada”.  After extensive discussions of the Report, Ministers agreed to adopt the paper with several amendments.

This then set the stage for the OECS to formalize their position to be incorporated into CARICOM’s Negotiating Brief.  “We need as a sub region to ensure that as far as possible and practicable we obtain special and deferential treatment in any CARICOM negotiation with Canada, and to identify the mechanics and structure for greater OECS input at all stages of negotiations from inception to conclusion,” Minister Harris said.

Dr Harris stated that “We learnt some lessons from EPA both in relation to process, content and accountability and we want to put those lessons to good use in our negotiations with Canada.  CARICOM/Canada preferential trade arrangements under CARIBCAN expire 2011. A new trade arrangement will be required by this time.  Minister Harris said St. Kitts exports over $8 million per year in electronic products to Canada.

Other agenda items included discussions on the World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations and in particular the prognosis regarding post July WTO Mini Ministerial and audit of supply capacity and demand for cement.

Minister Harris said the discussions were productive.  Dr Harris was accompanied by Ambassador Rosalyn Hazelle, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.