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Abstracts of Papers Presented
"CARICOM
and Preparations for FTA Negotiations."
Abstract
In its twenty-three year
history, CARICOM has had to adapt to changes in the international
trading system; in recent times these changes have been more
fundamental, including the move to trading blocs and tighter
management of the international trade regime through the
establishment of the World Trade Organisation… CARICOM is
now also faced with a perceived loss of influence in
international issues, limited human resources and the need for a
more thorough, better prepared approach to trade negotiations.
The author traces CARICOM's involvement in FTAs and describes its
preparations for upcoming FTA negotiations through the creation
of specialised negotiating bodies, and the training of
negotiators.
Dr. J. Bernard Yankey - Director, OECS/EAS, St.
John's, Antigua
"The
Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and Free Trade Area of
the Americas Negotiations."
Abstract
The author briefly outlines the
nature of the FTAA agreement and then discusses how OECS
countries need to ready both their national economies as well as
their negotiating capacity in preparation for entering the FTAA.
He points to existing impediments to optimal participation in
FTAA, specifically a lack of resources and the impact of member
countries' perceptions regarding the nature of the process. An
OECS strategy for addressing these concerns and preparing
adequately for FTAA is then outlined. Presented, finally, are
some of the issues participants at the Miami Summit agreed to
focus on towards achieving a hemispheric free trade area.
"Small
States and the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA)"
Abstract
The primary issue faced by
small states is increasing their negotiating space, argues the
author. Their success in FTAA negotiations will be predicated
upon their "potentials" and their
"restrictions". In particular these states must
consider their dependence on external trade and recognise the
need for internal, especially monetary, policy reform. A number
of recommendations are made on the steps small states need to
take in preparation for FTAs and upcoming FTAA negotiations.
"Reciprocity
in Future ACP/EU Trade Relations with Particular Reference to the
Caribbean."
Abstract
Lomé, Caribcan, CBI, and other
non-reciprocal trading arrangements such as MFN and GSP will be
inadequate for stimulating trade and investment in ACP countries
in the coming decades. The author feels that participation in
Free Trade Areas would be more beneficial to these states in the
long-term and advocates that Caribbean countries gradually move
to full reciprocity with the EU. This paper discusses those
issues - market access, transition to reciprocity, trade options,
- which ACP and, more specifically Caribbean, states must
confront as they prepare for such a transition.
Dr. Arnold McIntyre - Director,
Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA), Barbados
"The
Role of Caribbean Export Development Agency in Preparing for Free
Trade Agreements (FTA) Negotiations."
Abstract
The author identifies a role
for CEDA in FTA negotiation as well as in on-going support of
these arrangements. He discusses the ways CEDA can assist
negotiators through the provision of trade information and how it
can contribute to greater private sector involvement in the
negotiating process. CEDA's more important role, however, is in
FTA support: advising governments on the policy implementation
and institutional arrangements (such as market entry strategies
and private sector alliances) necessary to stimulate trade with
FTA partner countries. By working in this way with CEDA to put in
place appropriate "facilitating conditions", Caribbean
states can maximise the trading opportunities available to them
through FTAs
Dr. David Lewis - Chief of Party,
Caribbean Policy Project, Antigua
"Private
Sector Preparations for Negotiations - A Caribbean Perspective
Abstract
For the private sector to
meaningfully contribute to the FTA negotiation process, it must
be actively involved in regional preparations as manifested in
such arrangements as a CARICOM Single Market and Economy . The
author first overviews the contemporary hemispheric trading
environment, considering the implications for the Caribbean
region of the evolving FTAA-2005 process within the context of
increasing trade liberalisation and reciprocity. Next, the impact
of FTA negotiations on the private sector is addressed and,
finally, the preparations necessary for maximising this sector's
gain from the FTA process are discussed.
"The
European Union and FTAs with Developing Countries."
Abstract
The author explains the
criteria used by the EU in deciding whether to negotiate an FTA.
The current state of EU FTA negotiations with developing
countries and the major issues affecting these arrangements is
discussed. The author then examines FTA arrangements with ACP
countries, briefly reviewing pertinent aspects of the Lomé
Convention including negotiations over ACP product access.
Annexed to the paper is a table representing EU FTA agreements
with third countries.
"Malta and the European Union: Experience in Maximising Negotiating Capacity for Possible Entry into the European Union."
Abstract
Situated in the very centre of
the Mediterranean, the small island state of Malta represents a
good example of economic resourcefulness. With no natural
resources to speak of and negligible agricultural and fishing
sectors, Malta has exploited its locational advantage to become a
regional container distribution centre and a popular tourist
destination in the Mediterranean. Today over 75% of the island's
trade is with the European Community (EU) along with 80% of its
tourist arrivals. In light of these essential financial and
economic links, the present Government of Malta made a formal
application for membership to the EU in 1990
Kappeler in this paper focuses
on the political and strategic issues that Malta has had to
address as a result of its application and the unique steps taken
by the government to place the country in a favourable position
for expected negotiations with the European Commission.
"The Impact of Information Technology On the Preparation and Support of Small State Participation in Economic Negotiations."
Abstract
Kappeler in his paper seeks to
highlight the ways in which traditional practices in diplomacy
and negotiations are being enhanced through the use of
Information Technology. He particularly throws out hope to small
states, whose participation in diplomatic activities in the past
has been severely compromised by among other things, limited
access to appropriate and timely information; inadequate
representation at important international gatherings;
insufficient collaboration in pre-negotiations and limited
communications during diplomatic exercises.
New possibilities are mentioned
for diplomatic communications and governmental/inter-governmental
networking via the Internet; electronic contacts and on-line
consultation for multilateral and international negotiations; and
the submission of views and the casting of vote for international
meetings via wide area networks.
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