CARICOM trade ministers support rules-based WTO system

Ministers viewed with great concern the growing threats to the multilateral trading system

Written by Monika Walker

Published

Updated

During the 47th meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), Caribbean Community (CARICOM) trade ministers, meeting in Georgetown, Guyana, on November 15 and 16  re-iterated the Caribbean Community’s support for the rules-based, multilateral trading system embodied in the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Ministers viewed with great concern the growing threats to the multilateral trading system. In particular, they noted that the issue of WTO reform was being discussed in various quarters and that there were a number of proposals on the table which have largely been advanced by developed countries.

In light of the importance of the issues to the WTO as a whole and to the global multi-lateral trading system, they called for inclusive, transparent discussions involving all WTO members.

They emphasised the need to include small developing countries in these discussions to ensure their interests are secured and to preserve and strengthen the long-established principles, including technical assistance and capacity building (TACB), special and differential treatment and the recognition of the concept of small and vulnerable economies.

They stressed that these are all linked to the sustainable development and successful integration of CARICOM member states into the global economy.

Author Profile

Monika Walker is a senior journalist specializing in regional and international politics, offering in-depth analysis on governance, diplomacy, and key global developments. With a degree in International Journalism, she is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices through factual reporting. She also covers world news across every genre, providing readers with balanced and timely insights that connect the Caribbean to global conversations.