National Consultation on Cultural Cooperation, and Trade and Innovation St. Kitts Marriott – 24 April 2012

ZIZ News…April 20, 2012 — The Ministry of International Trade, Industry, Commerce, and Consumer Affairs in collaboration with the OECS Secretariat and the CARICOM Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN), will be hosting a national consultation on Cultural Cooperation, Trade and Innovation in the context of the ongoing CARICOM – Canada Trade and Development Agreement. The consultation will take place on 24 April, 2012, at the St. Kitts Marriott.

The purpose of the consultation is to ascertain the public and private sectors stakeholders’ feedback and input on establishing a connection between Trade, Innovation, and Investment in the ongoing CARICOM – Canada Trade and Development Negotiations, as well as to discuss a proposal for Cultural Co-operation between St. Kitts-Nevis, the wider CARICOM, and Canada.

Specifically, the consultation aims are achieving the following:

• Contribute to the formulation of a joint OECS position regarding the negotiations;

• Increase the awareness of the private sector stakeholders and public sector officials about the negotiation of the CARICOM – Canada Trade and Development Agreement;

• Assist in the identification of the technical assistance and capacity building needs and priority areas for St. Kitts and Nevis.

The national consultation will provide a platform for private sector stakeholders and public officials of St. Kitts and Nevis to make contributions on the draft CARICOM – Canada proposals, and ensure that the Federation’s interests are captured in the final Agreement.