Port-of-Spain -- Oct. 27, 2009 -- The Ministry of Trade and Industry continues to drive the effort to have this country reap maximum benefit from the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union (EU) and CARIFORUM (CARICOM and the Dominican Republic), signed in 2008. 

On Wednesday 21st October 2009, the Ministry will bring together stakeholders for the programme: CARIFORUM/EU EPA: Charting the Way Forward – An Information Session for Trade Related institutions (TRIs).  The objective of the session is to update agencies involved in the EPA process about the Ministry’s gains and requirements under the EPA.  Also on the agenda is the development co-operation provisions available under the terms of the EPA.

The importance of the TRIs in the implementation process cannot be over stressed.  While the MTI is responsible for negotiating and coordinating the implementation of all trade agreements, their your active participation is required to create the infrastructure for agreements like the EPA to succeed.

Senator the Hon. Mariano Browne, Minister of Trade and Industry will deliver the Feature Address.  Norris Herbert, Director, Trade in the Ministry will provide opening remarks.  Also on hand to address the gathering will be Trudy Lewis, Economist II –from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. 

Two presentations will be delivered: the first on the ‘Relevant Chapters of Title I – Trade in Goods; Protocol I – Rules of Origin and Trinidad and Tobago’s Liberalisation Schedule.  The second presentation will examine the Development Co-operation Provisions in the EPA. 

Agency updates will be provided by: the Customs and Excise Division, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources, the Chemistry Food and Drugs Division and the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau off Standards.