CARICOM launches new platform for inter-regional trade

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has launched a major regional platform to facilitate intra-regional trade in goods and agricultural products.

The CARICOM Interactive Marketplace Suspension Procedure (CIMSUPRO) intends to boost trade amongst registered suppliers and buyers from within member states.

Delivering remarks during the launch, the Chairman of CARICOM, Suriname President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi said it was important to see economic growth in the Caribbean.

According to Santokhi, “one of the key principles of establishing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), was, and still is, to achieve regional integration, and economic growth, within our community. The ways in which businesses are conducted shall significantly impact the achievement of sustainable development and growth. Abiding by the principles set out by the CSME and full implementation shall pave the way for sustainable growth and establish reliability for our business community.”

He added that the CIMSUPRO portal is also “where entrepreneurs from CARICOM, can offer their products, from raw materials to finished products.”

CIMSUPRO when populated will create a ‘Marketplace’ that will allow regional buyers to find sellers of regionally produced goods, thereby creating the conditions for direct contact between parties.

The online platform also has the potential for improving the efficiency of the application process for a suspension of the Common External Tariff (CET). CARICOM Trade Ministers had initially approved a proposal from the government of Suriname to create an online tool to promote intra-regional trade. Stakeholders, especially suppliers of regionally produced goods can access the portal and register via the following link https://www.cimsupro.com/user/register.