CRNM to defend region's interest at EU talksPublished on: 3/27/06.
THE CARIBBEAN REGIONAL Negotiating Machinery (CRNM) says it has a top-notch team of negotiators defending the interests of the Caribbean as intense trade talks begin this week in Barbados with the European Union.
Director-general of the CRNM, Dr Richard Bernal said he was confident the very best people had been selected and that they were committed to ensuring the development agenda of the region remained a priority.
Bernal explained the principal negotiators' meeting at Grand Barbados Hotel today (Monday) and tomorrow (Tuesday) would review the process and progress being made in the subject negotiations.
"Any problems that have arisen which couldn't be resolved have been referred to us for guidance, and thirdly, we will be charting the course for the immediate process including the schedule, the meetings and ensuring that we stay on track for completing the process by 2007. That date is important because the WTO waiver which covers the current trade arrangement expires in 2007," Bernal told BARBADOS BUSINESS AUTHORITY.
His comments came also as the Barbados-based Caribbean Policy Development Centre and the National Union of Public Workers plan a march and rally to coincide with the trade talks. They are demanding that NGOs be part of the process, charging also that very little information was released on what was on the negotiating table, the Caribbean's chief advisor on trade said. (GE)
© 1997-2005. Nation Publishing Company Limited.
