Regional negotiators join EPA debate
|
| Published on Thursday, August 28, 2008 |
Email To Friend Print Version |
By Oscar Ramjeet
Caribbean Net News Special Correspondent
Email: oscar@caribbeannetnews.com
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: There seems to be more controversy over whether or not Caricom countries should sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union.
Now the Barbados-based Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CPMN) has launched a series of radio programmes aimed at explaining the benefits of the EPA to the region.
According to a report from the Caribbean Media Corporation, the programme "Caribbean Trade Beat Extra" started last Monday and is a follow up to an original Caribbean Trade Beat series produced by the organisation.
The CMC report stated that the "new radio series comes at a time when there are conflicting positions within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) regarding the signing of the EPA that the CRNM negotiated with Europe on behalf of CARIFORUM, which comprises Caricom and the Dominican Republic, last year.”
The EPA was originally scheduled to be signed in July, but it was shifted to September 2, but it now seems that it might be rescheduled to a later date.
The Guyana Government first announced its disapproval, saying it will be more beneficial to the European Union than the small states, and was joined by Grenada, and Dominica, which has prompted Barbados Prime Minister to request the Chairman of Caricom, Baldwin Spencer, to arrange a meeting of Heads of Government to discuss the issues concerning member states.
The new radio series is being supported by the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the producers say, "It continues the CRNM's work toward creating awareness and strengthening the private sector's role in the Caricom External Trade Negotiations.” | | | | Reads : 224 | | | |
|
|
