Business
Free Circulation of Goods high on the OECS agenda for 2015
The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) says it is working towards the establishment of a regime for the free circulation of goods (FCG) during 2015.
According to a statement from the OECS Commission, the discussions will take place with representatives of the Port Authorities in the sub-regional grouping on facilitating free circulation and their readiness to fulfill the role.
“The free circulation of goods also requires closer collaboration with the offices of the OECS Commissioners in each OECS member state in order to assist the Commission in undertaking activities such as mobilizing national working groups and continued collaboration with the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Center (CARTAC) to help build capacity of customs agencies and assist with revenue management issues.“
The statement said that also on the agenda regarding the planned free circulation of goods is collaborating with Compete Caribbean to execute consultancies relating to matters such as legislative and regulatory issues and ICT connectivity.
A meeting of the free circulation of goods task force is scheduled for March and that the Ministerial Councils of Economic Affairs and Trade will be briefed on progress to date “so that they are informed and can facilitate action at the national level.
The free circulation of goods will result in goods moving within the OECS faster and at lower cost, due to the removal of technical, administrative and fiscal measures.
The OECS Commission said it is developing a Communications Strategy and Action Plan to inform the population in Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Kitts & Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla and the British Virgin islands on the free circulation of goods.
“During 2015, trade officials are also expected to continue the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) – Canada free trade agreement negotiations. Commissioners and officials will convene meetings on an OECS position on outstanding issues relating to a package of proposals that CARICOM will submit to Canada on tariff and service trade liberalisation, labor cooperation and investment,” the statement said.
