​A Momentous Step Towards a New, Transformed Relationship
Economic Partnership Agreement - EPA
The myriad issues before this Thirty-Second Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) speak to the breadth and depth of the regional integration movement and its impact on the everyday life of the citizens of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The discussions are taking place in what continues to be a difficult environment in the Region as a result of the global economic and financial crises, although there are some positive signs of recovery with some of our Member States being able to take advantage of the upturn in the
global economy.
It is with pleasure that I welcome you to this Eighteenth Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Caribbean Forum of the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States (CARIFORUM).
You have come together in fulfillment of the mandate of the 17th Meeting of the Council of Ministers last November which set the agenda for this meeting. The fact that so many of the Member States are represented at the Ministerial level underscores the importance of the critical nature of the item to be discussed and that is also attached to deepening the relationship among CARIFORUM States.
It is an honour for me to address you on behalf of Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite, Secretary General (acting) of the Caribbean Community at this Regional Forum on Aid for Trade for the Caribbean. She has asked that I convey her best wishes for a stimulating and successful event.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat readily welcomed the invitation to collaborate with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Secretariat and the Inter-American.
The Thirty-First Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held at the Rose Hall Resort and Spa, a Hilton Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica from 4-7 July 2010. The Prime Minister of Jamaica,Honourable Bruce Golding presided.