Jamaica and EU in Trade Relations

Jamaica Government is considering strengthening the Trade Relation with EU

Jamaica & EU Relations

Although already in very good terms with EU countries, the authorities at Jamaica are considering ways through which they can gain more from the CARIFORUM-European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement so as to strengthen its trade relationships with the 27-member EU. Before hiring any Air Cargo to Africa from UK service, contact Cargotoafrica.co.uk.

A little Flashback:

The EPA between EU and the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) came active in 2009. CARIFORUM represent African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States. This agreement replaces the Cotonou agreement signed in 2000, giving more access for CORIFORUM countries into the EU market. This market access will be more long-term, it also has provisions for cooperation and development support for the Caribbean.

Cariforum

The main Stance:

Jamaica’s foreign affairs and foreign trade minister Senator Kamina John Smith said recently in the third Jamaica/EU Political Dialogue that they are seriously considering ways to gain more from the agreement. The largest trade partner in that bloc of Jamaica is United Kingdom and the consideration is taking place sideways as many new developments are either underway. One of which is the pending departure of United Kingdom from European Union. The Jamaica Senator said that despite their strong relationship with UK, they want to further enhance the collaboration with EU side by side.

Senator Kamina John Smith

For the purpose of reviewing steps that can be taken in the direction, a commission has been established that will look into the relationships within CARICOM and CARIFORUM structure, the report will be ready soon.

European Union as an agent of Development in Caribbean:

Jamaica’s senator also paid gratitude to EU for its tremendous help in the development of Jamaica and in turn of Caribbean and in broader sense in ACP countries. They have also reviewed an EU communiqué which gives the signal to where the relation of ACP countries and EU stands. The relation of EU and ACP is very strong and is growing still further. She said that they want to examine through the commission’s report what can be done to further the strong tie between the two. Not only this, cargo sectors like sea cargo and air cargo also very important in building up relations with the countries.

EU & ACP

Head of the EU delegation appreciated the dialogue between her and the Senator. According to her these dialogues show commitment between the two trading regions. Other issues related to trade and apart from trade were also discussed in the dialogue.

Conclusion:

In general the dialogue between the two representatives is very positive. The discussion points out towards the line on which the two regions are going to be going in terms of trade. It has also been cleared in the dialogue that EU in general and UK in specific both are important for Jamaica or Caribbean or ACP countries at large. As United Kingdom is the largest trade partner its importance cannot be ignored and the contribution EU is making in the development of the ACP region is worth appreciating.

Jamaica & Caribbean

Another interesting thing to be noted is that even if UK is going to get separated from EU, the relation between the three is signaled not to be affected by the separation and will continue to grow. Such collaborations are very positive for the growth of trade internationally and they should continue.