The discussions are part of the 57th meeting of the bloc’s Council for Trade and Economic Development. Among the issues on the agenda is accelerating the implementation of the free flow of people in the region.

The event brings together the CARICOM leadership and representatives of its member states to discuss progress, challenges and perspectives in commercial relations within the area and with other countries.

During yesterday’s opening, the Minister of Economic Affairs of Suriname and president of the event, Rishma N. Kuldipsingh, called for reaching the necessary consensus to ensure that by March 2024 people in the Caribbean region can enjoy free transit, as it is considered an essential step within the MUEC.

Kuldipsing called for an in-depth debate on the proposals for the harmonization of laws and practices in the commercial environment, to review the process of negotiations for a pact between CARICOM and Colombia, as well as to review the preparations for the 13th ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization.

The general secretary of the bloc, Carla Barnett, expressed confidence that the meeting will give a political push to articulate regulations linked to the performance of the business sector, macroeconomic coordination, and policies in the industrial and agricultural spheres.

The Council is the entity in charge of promoting the development and operation of the MUEC, in addition to determining measures to promote the production, quality control and marketing of Caribbean goods and services with international standards. Among its multiple responsibilities are: the coordination of policies aimed at guaranteeing sustainability in the region’s progress, the use of natural and energy resources, and the preservation of the environment.

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