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The Eight Meeting of the CARICOM-US Trade and Investment Council (TIC) is currently underway in Miami and concludes on Friday 7th June , 2019.

Published 6 June 2019

Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source

The Eight Meeting of the CARICOM-US Trade and Investment Council (TIC) is currently underway in Miami and concludes on Friday 7th June , 2019.

According to Permanent Secretary of International Trade, Industry Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Three Day Engagement allows for CARICOM Member States to continue dialogue with the United States particularly on pertinent trade issues of tremendous importance to Caricom Member States .

Mrs Weekes highlighted the subject of the Caribbean Basin Initiative ( CBI) specifically the Trade Preferences Program , the CARIBBEAN BASIN TRADE PARTNERSHIP ACT ( CBTPA) which is of significant importance to the entire Caribbean Region . She noted that with the imminent expiry of the enhanced benefits of the CBTPA granted to eligible CARICOM Countries as well as the looming expiry of the existing waiver under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) it was important for the region to actively engage the United States . She added that Cessation of duty free access into the U.S. would significantly hinder efforts by our governments , aimed at developing our economies, diversifying exports and stabilizing our economies.

Permanent Secretary Weekes is the Co- Chair with the U.S. Mr John Melle , Assistant USTR for the Western Hemisphere at this high level meeting. She anticipates a productive outcome from the deliberations and looks forward not only to the experience to serve as CARICOM’s Chair but more importantly for concrete decisions and a structured Work Program for CARICOM as it continues to engage the UNITED States in the Trade and Investment Council ( TIC) .

The Honourable Minister Lindsay Grant , Minister of International Trade Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs is also attending this very historic meeting .

A three member delegation representing the St.Kitts and Nevis Chamber Of Industry and Commerce : Mr Andrew Satney , Mr Jose Rosa and Mr Faron Lawrence are also participating in the discussions and would use the opportunity to articulate the importance of the continuation of the CPBTA/CBERA Program as St.Kitts and Nevis Manufacturing Sector is a major beneficiary.

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis believes in building the Public-Private Sector Partnership as such relations lend to increased growth and development . Mrs Weekes acknowledges that such support from the Private Sector at this meeting is invaluable.

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