Basseterre, St. Kitts, (15 March 2016) - The Ministry of International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs is responsible for providing leadership as far as the implementation of several regional and international agreements is concerned. Some of these agreements include the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), the OECS Economic Union, the CARIFORUM-EC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the WTO Multilateral Trade Agreement; other negotiated bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, as well as ongoing and future trade agreements that are currently being negotiated.
As contractually agreed and expected, Parties to the Agreements must comply with, and implement the outlined conditions. Conversely, non-compliance can expose St. Kitts and Nevis to lengthy and costly legal actions.
In this regard, the Ministry of International Trade et al in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs has organized a National Workshop to address issues relative to the above-captioned subject matter, and to sensitise the nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis as to the possible benefits that can be obtained from complying with and meeting the obligations of these trade agreements as well as the implications of noncompliance.
The main objectives of the workshop are:
1. To explain the implications (legal and otherwise) of non-compliance to these agreements.
2. To explain how the respective government Ministries/Departments and other agencies can collaborate to ensure proper implementation of trade agreements.
3. To improve the understanding by respective Government Ministries/Departments and the private sector of these trade agreements St. Kitts and Nevis has signed on to and how those agreements can be used to increase and improve businesses in the Federation.
4. To address some of the operational issues impacting on the effective implementation of the Agreements such as the Free Movement of Nationals of CARICOM and or the OECS.
5. To improve the ability of St. Kitts and Nevis to meet its obligations to these trade Agreements it is party to.
The workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Kathy-Ann Brown, Deputy Solicitor General and Director of International Affairs Division of the Attorney General’s Chambers, Jamaica. Dr. Brown is quite knowledgeable about the subject, having played significant roles in several trade policy issues including serving as a Panelist on the WTO Dispute Settlement Body. She has represented Jamaica before the Caribbean Court of Justice in TCL v The Caribbean Community and the Shanique Myrie case, and in international arbitration proceedings initiated by Noranda Bauxite Ltd against the Government of Jamaica. Dr. Brown’s biography is attached for your information.
Additional information is available by contacting the Ministry of International Trade et al, at 467-1203/1096.
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