Dominican Republic Hosts Caribbean-EU Trade Forum

The Dominican Republic is set to host the 5th Cariforum-EU Joint Council meeting, a significant trade forum bringing together 42 European and Caribbean nations. The gathering, scheduled for Friday in Santo Domingo, aims to foster development and integration as key strategies for poverty eradication.

This marks the first time the meeting will be held on Dominican soil. The event will be co-chaired by Dominican President Luis Abinader, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič, and Theodora Constantinidou, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus. A key part of the agenda includes the presentation of the EPA-EU (Economic Partnership Agreement) awards, recognizing companies that effectively utilize the agreement.

The participants will delve into crucial aspects of the EPA's institutional framework, trade facilitation, development cooperation, and regional integration. These discussions are vital for strengthening economic ties and addressing priority issues for both regions. The meeting is part of the ongoing monitoring mechanisms for the EPA, signed in 2008, which seeks to enhance Caribbean exports, improve regional competitiveness, and deepen economic links between the EU and the Caribbean.