TT: Caricom and US cooperation

THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (RNM), Ambassador Dr Richard Bernal, called for an enhancement of the economic partnership between CARICOM and the United States, “based on interdependence and mutuality of benefits.”  He made these remarks at a forum organised and hosted by the Inter-American Economic Council (IAEC), in Miami. In a presentation on “Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) for the Caribbean in the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA),” Ambassador Bernal underscored that S&DT for the small developing economies of CARICOM “is an essential part of such an enhanced partnership.” The forum brought together CARICOM Trade Ministers and members of the United States Caribbean Congressional Caucus (CCC), with a view to deepening the level of engagement.  The agenda of the meeting centred on strengthening relations between CARICOM and the United States.

Welcome remarks were delivered by President of the IAEC, Barry Featherman, and by Dame Billie Miller, Senior Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Barbados. Dame Billie highlighted that the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) is pivotal to the region’s development thrust.  She indicated that there is “scope for the US and CARICOM to actively cooperate in making the CSME a reality.”