Impact Study: UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals

Figure 1 • Ranking of export market opportunities

US

Caribbean diaspora

CARICOM/CARIFORUM

UK

Canada

EU (excl.UK)

Latin America

Asia

Other

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

Source: SALISES/Nordicity (2017) Regional Strategic Plan for Cultural and Entertainment Services/Cultural Industries in CARICOM and CARIFORUM States, prepared for CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana.

This statistic illustrates (at least) two things: first, it shows the often profound differences between the Caribbean States in terms of their cultural relations and interests across regions and the EU in particular; second, and in view of the anticipated Brexit, it suggests that CARIFORUM States, as well as the EU would need to keep a close eye on developments and adapt accordingly. The United Kingdom negotiated a new agreement with CARIFORUM States in 2019, which replicates the conditions offered by the EU EPA (however without a PCC) and is bound to enter into force post-Brexit 39 . The overall impact of the United Kingdom leaving the EU on the CARIFORUM-EU relations remains to be seen. However, on the one hand, the UK is a key target market with longer traditions of exchange and embedded cultural relations. The UK may also be able to offer better mobility conditions for some creative sectors down the road (especially considering the already somewhat better treatment with regard to visas and temporary stay of Caribbean artists in the United Kingdom). On the other hand, United Kingdom trade with the Caribbean region has been in a process of secular decline for the last three decades, including tourism, which has been the main services export from the Caribbean.

39. UK Department for International Trade, Continuing the United Kingdom’s trade relationship with the CARIFORUM States: Economic Partnership Agreement between the CARIFORUM States, of the one part, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, of the other part , April 2019.

53 Culture in the CARIFORUM-EU EPA