Georgetown: The Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) opened its 36th ministerial meeting Thursday at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown.
Addressing the opening ceremony, COTED chair Oliver Joseph said there is a dire need for change if the region is to meet the global challenges.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birket underscored the role of the private sector in chartering a course of action for regional bodies.
The meeting will discuss the consolidation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) under which matters relating to the free movement of skilled Caricom national and the facilitation of travel will be addressed.
It will also explore the way forward with regard to the threat to Caricom exports of rum to the United States.
The Caricom-Canada Trade and Development agreement will also be discussed, as well as matters related to trade in goods, and issues affecting trade in agriculture.
Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque called on the group’s Council on Trade and Economic Development (COTED) to help craft the agenda for that meeting. He noted that while the agenda of COTED meetings mainly deals with the bread and butter issues, the Council must get the “big picture” and help shape policies and strategies aimed at long-term, sustained economic growth.
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