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+ OFFICE OF TRADE NEGOTIATIONS DAILY DIGEST 2010 December 6th WTO Arena WTO Secretariat reports drop in anti-dumping investigations and measures The WTO Secretariat reported that during the period 1 January — 30 June 2010, the number of initiations of new anti-dumping investigations showed a 29% decrease compared with the corresponding period of 2009. The number of new measures applied also decreased during the first semester of 2010 when compared with the first half of 2009. http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres10_e/pr623_e.htm Russian WTO accession reaches climax The protracted negotiations over Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization, WTO enter the home stretch on Monday and Tuesday in Geneva, as all the key members of the Organization meet to iron out the remaining issues. http://english.ruvr.ru/2010/12/06/36308548.html See Related: Medvedev to Conclude WTO Talks With EU During Brussels Visit http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-06/medvedev-to-conclude-wto-talks-with-eu-duringbrussels-visit.html WTO's face-to-face hearings on COOL wrap up More questions are still to come from the World Trade Organization's dispute settlement panel as its final face-to-face hearings conclude on Canada's challenge of U.S. mandatory country-of-origin labelling (COOL). http://www.grainews.ca/issues/ISArticle.asp?aid=1000395196&PC=FBC&issue=12062010 Anti-dumping investigations fall in first half-WTO GENEVA, Dec 6 (Reuters) - The number of anti-dumping investigations -- probes into unfairly priced imports -- notified to the World Trade Organization fell in the first half of this year, the WTO said on Monday. http://af.reuters.com/article/metalsNews/idAFLDE6B50W520101206 NOTE: The opinions and articles mentioned do not necessarily reflect the views of The Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN), or the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. http://www.crnm.org More farm bill drama lies ahead If history is any guide, there will be no agreement on extension of the federal farm bill in either 2011 or 2012, according to National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson. http://www.theindependent.com/articles/2010/12/05/news/local/doc4cfc79b78f946598411761.txt Panel report out on China-EU fastener dispute The WTO, on 3 December 2010, issued the report of the panel that had examined a complaint by China in the case “ European Communities — Definitive AD Measures on Certain Iron or Steel Fasteners from China” (DS397). http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news10_e/397r_e.htm Experts Meeting on Indicators: Measuring Aid-for-Trade Results at the Country Level Presentation of the Aid-for-Trade Indicators Project by the OECD Secretariat http://www.oecd.org/document/41/0,3343,en_2649_34665_46303593_1_1_1_37431,00.html EU requests waiver on trade preferences to Pakistan The European Union, at the meeting of the Council for Trade in Goods on 30 November 2010, requested a waiver on trade preferences it would provide to Pakistan to help the country recover from floods last JulyAugust that affected some 20 million people. http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news10_e/good_30nov10_e.htm CARICOM-CANADA Canadian economic accounts Real gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.3% in the third quarter, following a 0.6% gain in the previous quarter. Final domestic demand grew 0.9%, as business investment in plant and equipment advanced. On a monthly basis, real GDP by industry declined 0.1% in September. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/101130/dq101130a-eng.htm MERCOSUR -EU/ ACP Antigua/Barbuda and CARICOM EPA Implementation Units “deepening relationship” CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana - Head of the Antigua and Barbuda Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Implementation Unit Ambassador Clarence Henry expressed satisfaction at the outcome of a meeting with the EPA Implementation Unit of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. http://www.csmenetwork.com/2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10412&Itemid=211 Discussion Paper 104: Implementing the Economic Partnership Agreement in the East African Community and the CARIFORUM regions: What is in it for the private sector? http://www.ecdpm.org/Web_ECDPM/Web/Content/Navigation.nsf/index2?readform=&http%3A%2F% 2Fwww.ecdpm.org%2FWeb_ECDPM%2FWeb%2FContent%2FContent.nsf%2F0%2F1DE2865C2CEC6 2A4C12577CA0034FD4D%3FOpenDocument=# NOTE: The opinions and articles mentioned do not necessarily reflect the views of The Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN), or the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. http://www.crnm.org EU Commissioner for Trade to participate in ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht will attend the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday. He will take part in a discussion on Economic Partnership Agreements, the EU’s main trade and development instrument for the African Caribbean and Pacific region. http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=662 Regional (NB. Watch the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) News Brief via this link) (NB. Also listen to BBC Caribbean Report via this link) CARICOM SG urges Community to seek out benefits under trade agreements Georgetown, Guyana - CARICOM Secretary-General His Excellency Sir Edwin Carrington has charged the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) to pursue and harvest the full benefits that were available within the realm of trade relations with external partners, both traditional and non-traditional. http://www.csmenetwork.com/2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10444&Itemid=211 Beyond Caricom's 'search' for a new secretary general FOUR months have elapsed since the stern exchanges at the Caricom Heads of Government Meeting in Jamaica last July, that decided to bring to an end the 18-year reign of Secretary General Edwin Carrington. No date was set for the secretary general to vacate office. But rather than be "run out", wise and astute batsman that he is, Carrington saw the fading light and announced, exact to the day one month later on Wednesday, August 4, that he would end his innings on December 31, 2010. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/Beyond-Caricom-s--search--for-a-new-secretarygeneral_8210530 New ED for Caribbean Export Bridgetown, November 29, 2010. Pamela Coke Hamilton has been appointed Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency with effect from November 1, 2010. Ms Coke Hamilton has an intimate knowledge of Caribbean external and internal trade policy and more than 20 years' experience in trade policy formulation, capacity building, negotiations and implementation, working at national, regional and multilateral levels. Prior to joining Caribbean Export, Ms Coke Hamilton served as Regional Hub Coordinator for the Caribbean in the Integration and Trade Department of the Inter-American Development Bank and prior to that as Director of Trade and Competitiveness at the Organization of American States. She was also instrumental in the design and implementation of the Masters in International Trade Policy (MITP) Programme at the University of the West Indies, a flagship program which has provided increased depth to the regions trade policy capability. http://www.businessbarbados.com/News/Press-Releases/Article/New-ED-for-Caribbean-Export.html CARICOM Secretariat increases CSME Public Education Efforts CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana - The CARICOM Secretariat has increased its public education efforts on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) through television advertising, the printing of two booklets and the launch of a new CSME website. http://www.csmenetwork.com/2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10413&Itemid=211 See Also: NOTE: The opinions and articles mentioned do not necessarily reflect the views of The Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN), or the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. http://www.crnm.org CSME unit ‘soldiering on’ despite challenges http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=14350 Judge blames colonisation's effects for failure to accept CCJ DISTINGUISHED Jamaican judge Patrick Robinson says the country's failure to replace the United Kingdom Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has only served to nourish the seed of unfitness, incapacity and inferiority planted in our heads by 300 years of colonisation. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Judge-blames-colonisation-s-effects-for-failure-to-acceptCCJ_8214292#ixzz17L8Ejt6H See Also: DOMINICA-Former St Lucia PM urges support for CCJ ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Former St Lucia prime minister Dr. Vaughan Lewis has warned Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries that they face possible international rebuke if they fail to sign on to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) that they themselves initiated to replace the London-based Privy Council as the region’s final court. http://www.csmenetwork.com/2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10434&Itemid=211 ENVIRONMENT - Germany supports CARICOM’s sustainable development efforts CSMENetwork - Georgetown, Guyana The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat on Thursday charted a new phase in its relations with Germany through a Technical Cooperation arrangement that would boost the Region’s sustainable development efforts http://www.csmenetwork.com/2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10441&Itemid=211 Caribbean tourism leaders hold meeting in USVI ST THOMAS, USVI (MCT) -- Fifteen members of the Caribbean Tourism Organization arrived on St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands on Wednesday for their annual board meeting. http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Caribbean-tourism-leaders-hold-meeting-in-USVI3762.html GLEANER EDITORIAL: Cayman summit makes sense It is surprising that it hasn't happened before, and that its orchestration is by a private finance house and a university rather than a government of the sub region. http://www.csmenetwork.com/2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10455&Itemid=211 Crime has serious impact on Caribbean economies says ECCB governor The CMC reported that Venner told delegates attending the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) conference that ended in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Friday that a study showed that the cost of fighting crime in Jamaica in 2001 was $12.4 billion or 3.7 percent of gross domestic product. He also cited a 2009 study, which took a "comprehensive look" at the impact of crime in that country. http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Crime-has-serious-impact-on-Caribbean-economiessays-ECCB-governor-3815.html NOTE: The opinions and articles mentioned do not necessarily reflect the views of The Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN), or the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. http://www.crnm.org The region needs to develop much stronger business support organizations Encouraging the Caribbean private sector to become more dynamic is far from easy. This is not to comment on the largest Caribbean companies – the forty or more enterprises which are multinational, well financed and managed, and are invested in or exporting across the region as well as to North and South America and Europe. Rather it is to focus on the smaller aspirant Caribbean companies and the support they need if they are ever to develop the capacity and technical knowledge to take advantage of the removal of tariff barriers for goods and services. http://www.stabroeknews.com/2010/features/12/05/the-region-needs-to-develop-much-strongerbusiness-support-organizations/ CARIBBEAN-Diplomats paint grim picture for the region CANCUN, Mexico, CMC – Caribbean diplomats here say the region faces “the end of history” if rich countries do not raise their ambition to hold temperatures well below two degrees Celsius. http://www.csmenetwork.com/2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10409&Itemid=211 See Also: Climate change could destroy Caribbean resorts — UN http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/Climate-change-could-destroy-Caribbean-resorts--UN_8205961#ixzz1738uRXoP Commentary: Climate change talks failing the Caribbean http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Commentary%3A-Climate-change-talks-failing-theCaribbean-3749.html SURINAME-Guyana and Suriname adopting working strategy for Cancun talks http://www.csmenetwork.com/2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10438&Itemid=211 IMPACS - Collaboration begins on programmes to fight crime in the Region Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, The CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Organization of American States and the Central American Integration System (SICA) have joined forces at the First Expert Group Meeting of the Santo Domingo Pact and Managua Mechanism (SDP/MM) for the Caribbean to discuss New Responses in the Fight against Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking in the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico. http://www.csmenetwork.com/2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10443&Itemid=211 World Germany reaffirms commitment to Euro as markets test EU monetary union German Finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said financial markets are currently testing whether the Euro zone will survive but he insisted the 16-nation monetary union won't break up. However he also warned about the risk of the emergence of an anti-Euro party. http://en.mercopress.com/2010/12/06/germany-reaffirms-commitment-to-euro-as-markets-test-eumonetary-union See Also: NOTE: The opinions and articles mentioned do not necessarily reflect the views of The Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN), or the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. http://www.crnm.org EU governments’ support for financial sector 4.5 tr Euros; UK top of the list http://en.mercopress.com/2010/12/06/eu-governments-support-for-financial-sector-4.5-tr-euros-uktop-of-the-list No India-EU free trade accord during PM's visit New Delhi, Dec 6 (IANS) The much-awaited free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union is unlikely to be ready for inking when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visits Brussels for a summit with the 27-nation bloc Friday, German Ambassador Thomas Matussek said here Monday. http://sify.com/finance/no-india-eu-free-trade-accord-during-pm-s-visit-news-defaultkmgwasgeeba.html The Least Developed Countries Report, 2010 The global financial and economic crisis highlight the urgent need to move beyond business as usual and, through concerted international action, foster more stable and inclusive global development. The crisis has been a sober reminder that economic and social imbalances and inequalities, both within and between countries, if left to correct themselves, are likely to produce damaging and destructive outcomes, particularly for vulnerable countries and communities. This Report focuses on the boombust cycle of the past decade in the least developed countries (LDCs) and offers alternatives for the coming decade. http://www.unctad.org/Templates/WebFlyer.asp?intItemID=5737&lang=1 Ibero-American summit calls for closer South-South cooperation Mar del Plata, Argentina.– The Organization of Ibero-American States Friday called for strengthening SouthSouth cooperation in face of the current global financial crisis. http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/world/2010/12/4/37855/Ibero-American-summit-calls-for-closerSouth-South-cooperation UNASUR heads express confidence in Guyana's chairmanship GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA) -- On November 26, Guyana’s President Bharrat Jagdeo took over the mantle as president of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), succeeding his predecessor Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa at the 4th regular summit of UNASUR held in Guyana. http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-UNASUR-heads-express-confidence-in-Guyana%27schairmanship-3784.html Honduras to modernise, expand Central America's biggest port WASHINGTON, USA -- Honduras will expand and modernize Central America’s biggest port with $135 million in loans from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-Honduras-to-modernise%2C-expand-CentralAmerica%27s-biggest-port-3755.html Panama to strengthen fiscal policy and increase transparency WASHINGTON, USA -- Panama will reform its tax administration and improve its public expenditure management with a $200 million loan approved by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-Panama-to-strengthen-fiscal-policy-and-increasetransparency--3754.html NOTE: The opinions and articles mentioned do not necessarily reflect the views of The Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN), or the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. http://www.crnm.org U.S.-South Korea Pact Favors Auto Sector At the end of last week, the U.S. and South Korea appeared to reach the basis of agreement that will also resuscitate the moribund free-trade effort. In essence it appears that slowing down the liberalization in the auto sector and pork was what broke the log jam. http://www.thestreet.com/story/10939472/1/us-south-korea-pact-favors-autosector.html?cm_ven=GOOGLEN See Also: President Obama's Announcement Regarding the U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/blog/2010/december/president-obamas-announcementregarding-us-korea-trade-agre South Korea-U.S. trade pact no slam dunk http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2010/12/6/925944/-South-Korea-U.S.-trade-pact-no-slam-dunk Trans-Pacific Partnership talks underway An Asia-Pacific region trade agreement or Trans-Pacific Partnership would not be a "Brussels-type" freetrade document with a single model for trade harmonisation, says New Zealand's chief negotiator. http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/4428679/Trans-Pacific-Partnership-talks-underway Other News ANTIGUAN legislators support OECS Revised Treaty ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Antigua and Barbuda legislators have given their backing to the efforts by the St. Lucia-based Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to develop an economic union within the sub-region. http://www.csmenetwork.com/2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10436&Itemid=211 Barbuda develops 10 year tourism plan Barbuda will take the first step towards developing its own 10 year tourism master plan, as a two day tourism summit gets underway this week. http://ab.gov.ag/gov_v4/article_details.php?id=1098&category=38 Bahamas PM sees change in economic fortunes NASSAU, Bahamas -- The Bahamas prime minister, Hubert Ingraham, said on Thursday that there are distinct signs that the worst is over and the tide is beginning to turn for The Bahamas economy. http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Bahamas-PM-sees-change-in-economic-fortunes3795.html See Also: FDI expected to revive economy http://www.thenassauguardian.com/FDI-expected-to-revive-economy NOTE: The opinions and articles mentioned do not necessarily reflect the views of The Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN), or the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. http://www.crnm.org Tourism numbers show significant increase in 2010 over 2009 NOTHING is more critical to the recovery of the Bahamian economy than a revival in tourism, and a yearon-year performance comparison shows significant increases in 2010 over 2009 in six of the nine months through September, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said. http://www.tribune242.com/news/EP-Tourism_news_pg3 PM: Europe’s economic woes threaten Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham is acknowledging threats to economic recovery stemming from debt issues in the European economy — arguing it should by no means stop The Bahamas from readying for opportunities. http://www.thenassauguardian.com/PM--Europe-s--economic-woes-threaten-Bahamas Barbados signs double taxation agreement with Spain BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (BGIS) -- Barbados on Wednesday signed a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with Spain, which is expected to deepen trade ties between the two countries. http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Barbados-signs-double-taxation-agreement-withSpain-3779.html See Also: Further trade, tax agreements encouraged http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=14400 NATION EDITORIAL: Embracing tourism The decision by some Bridgetown retailers to absorb the recent increase in VAT is a laudable one since it ensures that Government policy is carried through while at the same time the consumer is given a welcome respite in the face of ever increasing rise in prices and in the cost of living. http://www.csmenetwork.com/2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10426&Itemid=211 Business Monday: Removal of Environmental Levy should help Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Chris Sinckler believes that a lot of Barbadians have not been focusing on the removal of the Environ-mental Levy announced in the recent Budgetary Proposals. In the Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals for the year 2010 made by Minister of Finance, Chris Sinckler for the period December 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011, he proposed the removal of the Environmental Levy on imports at a cost of $44 million. http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=business&NewsID=14413 Barbados government looking at small business development BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (BGIS) -- Barbadians need to see entrepreneurship not as a burden, but as an empowering experience. This was emphasised by Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Christopher Sinckler, on Thursday, as he delivered the feature address at the launch in Barbados of FINPYME Export Plus Programme, an international technical assistance initiative based in Washington. http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-Barbados-government-looking-at-small-businessdevelopment-3780.html NOTE: The opinions and articles mentioned do not necessarily reflect the views of The Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN), or the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. http://www.crnm.org Belize sugarcane farmers to receive $11 million BELMIOPAN, Belize -- Belize sugarcane farmers are to receive a total of $11 million to assist them in meeting their immediate financial obligations. http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Belize-sugarcane-farmers-to-receive-%2411-million3768.html BERMUDA signs tax agreement with China HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC - Bermuda and China have signed a tax information agreement and Prime Minister Paula Cox said that the recent controversy over the decision of her predecessor to offer sanctuary to four Chinese Muslim Uighurs last year was not mentioned during the talks. http://www.csmenetwork.com/2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10431&Itemid=211 South Africa: Zuma Eyes New Opportunities in Cuba Pretoria — President Jacob Zuma is expected to explore new areas of cooperation between Cuba and South Africa during a two-day state visit to that country. http://allafrica.com/stories/201012060766.html See Also: Havana to Host Cuba-South Africa Business Forum HAVANA, Cuba, Dec 4 (acn) The Cuba-South Africa business Forum, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba, will take place on December 6 and 7 at Havana’s Hotel Nacional. http://www.cubanews.ain.cu/2010/1204-havana-host-cuba-south-africa-business-forum.htm Los Van Van's visit signals thaw in US-Cuba cultural relations LOS ANGELES, USA (MCT) -- When legendary Cuban group Los Van Van played Miami in October 1999, about 3,000 angry anti-Castro Cuban American exiles pelted fans with eggs, soda cans and rocks. http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-Los-Van-Van%27s-visit-signals-thaw-in-US-Cubacultural-relations-3765.html See Also: Cuban musicians nominated for Grammy awards HAVANA, Cuba (ACN) -- The albums Chucho Steps and 100 Sones Cubanos by Cuban musicians Chucho Valdes and Edesio Alejandro respectively are two of the nominees for the 2011 Grammy Awards, as officially announced during the Grammy Nomination concert on Wednesday in Los Angeles. http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-Cuban-musicians-nominated-for-Grammy-awards3782.html Venezuela, Angola and Cuba to create oil joint venture HAVANA, Cuba (ACN) -- The Venezuelan National Assembly has approved the creation of oil joint venture between Venezuela, Cuba and Angola, Prensa Latina news agency reported. http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-Venezuela%2C-Angola-and-Cuba-to-create-oil-jointventure-3781.html NOTE: The opinions and articles mentioned do not necessarily reflect the views of The Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN), or the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. http://www.crnm.org Draft constitution recommends 'Parliamentary Republican State' for Grenada ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (GIS) -- A renewed call is being made for Grenada to sever its constitutional ties with British sovereignty. A just released draft constitution suggests Grenadians should forego their colonial ties to Britain, forming instead a Parliamentary Republican State. http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-Draft-constitution-recommends-%27ParliamentaryRepublican-State%27-for-Grenada-3775.html Funds Approved for Grenada to Phase-out Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) http://www.gov.gd/egov/news/2010/dec10/04_12_10/item_2/funds_approved_grenada.html UNESCO approves Grenada's application for cultural funding ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (GIS) -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has approved a request from Grenada for funding US$42,000 for the completion of a National Cultural Policy. http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-UNESCO-approves-Grenada%27s-application-forcultural-funding-3803.html Citizenship for Chinese nationals For many years it has been argued that Guyana needs a positive immigration policy that takes account of the stagnation in its population growth – a combination of heavy migration and a low birth rate. A low population density and vast open spaces suitable for settlement provide the opportunities for attracting migrants, or more feasibly, re-migrants. It also makes sense to try to boost population numbers as a larger internal economy is created and there is a greater growing of wealth. Had there not been the exodus of decades before, the population of Guyana today could easily have been over two million and providing the ignition for greater economic development. Today the population hovers around 740,000 with great concentration on the coastland and the sparsely populated interior. http://www.stabroeknews.com/2010/opinion/editorial/12/06/citizenship-for-chinese-nationals/ Guyana makes diplomatic changes in Canada, Brazil and Venezuela http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-Guyana-makes-diplomatic-changes-in-Canada%2CBrazil-and-Venezuela-3818.html CARICOM grants trade concession to Haiti (CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana) Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Trade Ministers have agreed on the goods that Haiti will be able to export within the Single Market on a non-reciprocal preferential basis for three years. http://www.csmenetwork.com/2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10440&Itemid=211 Haiti learns from Indonesia JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Ten months after it was struck by a seven magnitude earthquake, Haiti is now shifting its focus to reconstruction. In doing so, Haiti has chosen to learn from Indonesia – a fellow developing country that had to deal with a similar challenge a few years earlier. http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Haiti-learns-from-Indonesia-3759.html Broilers to establish Haiti subsidiary... If board approves Levy's plan Jamaica Broilers Group is planning to build out a new operation in Haiti that, over time, is expected to parallel the business here. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20101203/business/business1.html NOTE: The opinions and articles mentioned do not necessarily reflect the views of The Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN), or the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. http://www.crnm.org EDITORIAL - What CARICOM must do in Haiti The international community must be prodded and cajoled into delivering the more than US$10 billion it pledged in long-term aid for the rebuilding of Haiti, which was devastated by earthquake and is now undergoing the stress of a cholera epidemic. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20101206/cleisure/cleisure1.html UN boss appeals for massive Haiti aid NEW YORK, United States, Friday December 3, 2010 – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on the international community to provide immediate massive aid to Haiti to fight a deadly cholera epidemic raging through the impoverished country, warning that hundreds of thousands of lives are at risk. http://www.caribbean360.com/index.php/news/51984.html?utm_source=Caribbean360+Newsletters& utm_campaign=ed3971c8cb-Vol_5_Issue_139_News12_3_2010&utm_medium=email Stimulate renewable energy The scale and investment in renewable energy worldwide has been staggering. Staggering when one thinks of the decades of fossil-fuel dominance and dependence. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20101206/news/news1.html What is the role of the private sector in ensuring economic growth? WHEN most people say or think that there is a need to grow the economy, their first thought is that government will fix it. For sure, governments should create and encourage the creation of the environment that will ensure prosperity and sustainable economic growth. They do this, among other things, by establishing and protecting private property rights; ensuring national defense; fighting crime; providing a sound educational system; maintaining a public health system; ensuring a sound monetary system; collecting the necessary revenues; paying the public debts; and sourcing funds, when necessary, to pay debts and to finance development. In addition, government is a major employer as well as a major purchaser of goods and services. Taken all together, these contribute to growing the economy. But, it is not the full story. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/What-is-the-role-of-the-private-sector-in-ensuringeconomic-growth_8178629#ixzz17M1MZigP Growing the Jamaican economy: sustainable tourism WHENEVER the Jamaican economy is discussed, it is always pointed out that tourism is one of the top three foreign exchange earners for the country and a major employer. The current administration makes sure to promote the fact that Jamaica is among a limited number of countries that have actually seen growth in tourist arrivals during the recession, while the JHTA points out that overall tourism revenues are down because of the recession and the discounts that have had to be given to get people to travel. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/Growing-the-Jamaican-economy--sustainabletourism_8208900#ixzz17M2BIJlz OBSERVER EDITORIAL: Business Leader winners: Honour to whom honour is due Our heartiest congratulations to Mr Denis O'Brien, founder and chairman of Digicel, on being named the top Observer Business Leader Foreign Investor for 2009. http://www.csmenetwork.com/2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10422&Itemid=211 NOTE: The opinions and articles mentioned do not necessarily reflect the views of The Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN), or the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. http://www.crnm.org Jamaica approves duty-free access for Cuban goods KINGSTON, Jamaica (OPM) – The Jamaican government has endorsed the implementation of duty free access for specific goods from Cuba into Jamaica and seasonal duties on other products. http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-Jamaica-approves-duty-free-access-for-Cuban-goods3788.html St Kitts-Nevis discusses future co-operation with Taiwan delegation BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CUOPM) -- Future cooperation between St Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan was discussed in Basseterre, the St. Kitts and Nevis capital. http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-St-Kitts-Nevis-discusses-future-co-operation-withTaiwan-delegation-3761.html St. Kitts and Nevis’ new High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago presents credentials, meets Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar http://www.csmenetwork.com/2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10414&Itemid=211 ST LUCIA-Private Sector wants government to introduce stimulus package CASTRIES, St Lucia, CMC - President of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture, Chester Hinkson, is calling on the Stephenson King government to introduce a short term stimulus package in the wake of the economic downturn occasioned by Hurricane Tomas. http://www.csmenetwork.com/2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10435&Itemid=357 ST LUCIA-Tourism Minister disappointed at lack of response from St Vincent CASTRIES, St Lucia, CMC – Tourism Minister Allen Chastanet Friday expressed disappointment that the St. Vincent and the Grenadines government had not yet responded to a request by CARICOM Airways to provide a service to the island. http://www.csmenetwork.com/2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10432&Itemid=211 TRAVEL AND BUSINESS CONSULTANT HIGHLIGHTS THE BENEFITS OF TWO MAJOR TOURISM PROJECTS http://www.nbcsvg.com/profiles/blogs/projects-business-ideas RATIFICATION OF SVG'S MARITIME LABOUR CONVENTION OF 2006 Minister of Labour Rene Baptiste has welcomed the ratification by St. Vincent and the Grenadines the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, an initiative aimed at securing decent work for the many seafarers working on ships. News of the deposit of the instrument of ratification on November 9th was released by the International Labour Office in Geneva. http://www.nbcsvg.com/profiles/blogs/maritime-labour-convention-1 Venezuela businessmen hold meeting with Cadiz A delegation of businessmen from the FEDEINDUSTRIA Sucre of Venezuela recently met with key officials of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), led by Minister Stephen Cadiz, to discuss a range of business opportunities, including the promotion of a cargo shipping project. http://www.trinidadexpress.com/businessmagazine/Venezuela_businessmen_hold_meeting_with_Cadiz-111092689.html NOTE: The opinions and articles mentioned do not necessarily reflect the views of The Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN), or the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. http://www.crnm.org Governor lauds IFC investment Central Bank Governor, Ewart Williams says the International Finance Corporation (IFC) investment of US$75 million into Guardian Holdings Limited (GHL) should redound to the benefit of the financial services industry, especially the insurance industry in T&T, and the Caribbean. Williams said, “This new partnership should not only strengthen GHL’s balance sheet, but should redound to the benefit of the public by increasing the availability of insurance products to markets that are not currently well-served.” He added the list include small businesses, micro-finance institutions and agribusinesses. He stated that IFC’s decision to partner with GHL through equity participation demonstrates its tremendous confidence in the local financial services industry, despite the challenges the sector currently faces. http://guardian.co.tt/business/business/2010/12/04/governor-lauds-ifc-investment See Also: IFC shows confidence. http://guardian.co.tt/business/business/2010/12/03/ifc-shows-confidence How safe is T&T's natural gas future? THE new Larry Howai-led National Gas Company (NGC) board faces huge challenges, more than any of its predecessors did in the 35-year existence of the NGC. http://www.trinidadexpress.com/business-magazine/How_safe_is_T_T_s_natural_gas_future_111092699.html Quick Media Links Antigua & Barbuda Antigua & Barbuda Government Portal http://www.ab.gov.ag/gov_v3/index.php The Bahamas Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas http://www.znsbahamas.com The Government of the Bahamas http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/bahamasweb2/home.nsf Barbados Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation http://www.cbc.bb/ Barbados Government Information Service http://www.gisbarbados.gov.bb/ Belize Belize News http://belizenews.com/ Government of Belize Portal http://www.belize.gov.bz/ Cuba Granma (Official News) http://www.granma.cu Cuban News Agency http://www.ain.cubaweb.cu Dominica Dominica News http://www.dominicanewsonline.com/ Dominica Government http://www.dominica.gov.dm/cms/ Dominica GIS http://www.gis.dominica.gov.dm/index.php Dominican Republic Dominica Today http://www.dominicantoday.com/ NOTE: The opinions and articles mentioned do not necessarily reflect the views of The Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN), or the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. http://www.crnm.org Grenada Grenada Government Portal http://www.gov.gd/ Guyana GINA – Guyana Government Information Agency http://www.gina.gov.gy Haiti News Haiti http://www.newshaiti.com Haitian Times http://www.haitiantimes.com/ Jamaica Jamaica Information Service http://www.jis.gov.jm St. Kitts & Nevis St. Kitts/ Nevis News http://www.sknvibes.com/News St. Kitts & Nevis CUOPM http://www.cuopm.com/ St. Kitts & Nevis ZIZ http://www.zizonline.com/ St. Lucia Helen Television Services (HTS) http://www.htsstlucia.com Radio St. Lucia (RSL) http://www.rslonline.com St. Lucia Government Information Service http://www.stlucia.gov.lc/ St. Vincent & the Grenadines National Broadcasting Corporation http://www.nbcsvg.com St Vincent Today http://svgtoday.com/ Government of St. Vincent & the Grenadines GIS http://www.gov.vc/ Suriname Surinamese Televise Stichting http://www.strs.info.sr ATV TeleSur http://www.sr.net Suriname News http://www.topix.net/world/suriname/ Trinidad & Tobago Trinidad & Tobago Official News http://www.news.gov.tt/ NOTE: The opinions and articles mentioned do not necessarily reflect the views of The Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN), or the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. http://www.crnm.org