Trade Watch V8 No 1 Jan-Feb 2014

FOSTERING REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

CARIFORUM-FCORs/OCTs Trade Cooperation

Another important element of the implementation of the 10th EDF RPSDP relates to the enhanced CARIFORUM-FCORs/ OCTs relations. Against this background, and to facilitate the implementation process, the CARIFORUM/FCORs/OCTs Task Force on Trade and Investment was established. The chief mandate of the Task Force is to enhance terms of trade and deepen inter- grouping economic and other integration by improving the investment and trade climate and relations. Various factors have hindered trade cooperation, however, Caribbean Export is committed to creating an environment in which open communication, trade, and commerce can take place among all Caribbean regions. Caribbean Export’s Executive Director, Mrs. Pamela Coke Hamilton, sits as Chairperson of the Taskforce and thus calls to order and presides over all meetings. At the last meeting held in December 11-12, 2013 at the Hotel la Batelière in Martinique, Mrs. Coke Hamilton opened the meeting with her observations that, though significant strides have been made in relations between CARIFORUM and FCORs/ OCTs states since the inception of the Task Force during the time of the 9th EDF, there is still major work to be done in healing the fissures and fractures that divide the region. During the Task Force meeting, three (3) consultancies were commissioned: • Legal Opinion on the Imposition of the Octroi de Mer by the FCORs on Products originating from the CARIFORUM States • Support to Improving the Collection of Information on Technical Requirements and Technical Barriers to Trade that affect CARIFORUM States’ Exports to the FCORs • Feasibility Study on the Establishment of a Technical Management Unit in the FCORs Over the years, cooperation has improved between CARIFORUM and the FCORs/OCTs, with tangible successes being achieved through a number of initiatives, namely: Invest Karib, which seeks to increase the export of goods from Martinique to the rest of the region; WOMEX, a cultural trade mission to Copenhagen, Denmark in 2011 which was implemented in collaboration with Martinique; and a Declaration of Cooperation with the Regional Council of Martinique. The Agency also participates in the IVC INTERREG Select and Monitoring Committee and the INTERREG Joint Technical Secretariat. (TW) Caribbean Export upholds the vision of a unified region that works collectively towards the development of a stable and diverse economy. As a step towards achieving this vision, the Agency supported the organization of the 5th Bi-National Eco- Tourism Fair, an event which aims to promote communication and cooperation between its host country, Haiti, and its neighbour, the Dominican Republic. The two states, though they share a land mass, have had a fractious history, fueled into the present day by socio-cultural disparities. As Haiti and the Dominican Republic strive for a more healthy and progressive relationship, their respective private sectors act as a driving force in mending broken ties and creating new ones. The fair takes place in the town of Savanette in the Central Department of Haiti. This location is endowed with a fascinating history which enriches the experience that the fair offers and clearly illustrates the very product which it seeks to promote. Eco- tourism is a fast-developing sector which is based on environmentally and economically sustainable attractions, particularly targetting those who lead active, eco-conscious lifestyles. Many of the types of accommodations and attractions which come under this category are created organically within a natural space with opportunities available to explore that space. Caribbean Export, under the 10th EDF RPSDP, which is funded by the European Union, lent financial support to the event, particularly with regards to the participation of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that specialize in agro-processing and craft. The Agency also partnered with regional development agencies from the towns of Hondo Valle in the Dominican Republic and Savanette in Haiti which acted as co-organizers of the fair with the Science and Art Foundation from the Dominican Republic, headed by Mrs. Jacqueline Boin. The fair also included instructional workshops on topics such as SME competitiveness, at which the Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Escipión Oliveira was a speaker, along with Mr. Sebastian Cocard, Programme Officer from the EU Delegation in Haiti, the President of the Haitian Senate, Honorable Mr. Simon Desras, and the Dominican Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, H.E. Mr. Jose Serulle. Mr. Oliveria stated that, “This positive initiative is a right step towards promoting cordial/fraternal relations between both countries that share the beautiful Island of “La Hispaniola” for the benefit of our people”. (TW) Haiti hosts 5th Annual Bi-National Eco-Tourism Fair

9 Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency • Vol. 8 No. 1 January - February, 2014