Colloquium Discussion

CONCLUDING SESSION:

EVALUATION OF PAPERS AND DISCUSSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Dr. Anthony Gonzales, Senior Lecturer, Institute of International Relations

In closing the colloquium, Dr. Gonzales had been expected to evaluate the papers and discussions, and make recommendations based on these. He noted, however, that a more detailed study, than as up to that time had been possible, would be required for such an assessment.

The preparations for this meeting had been hurried; organisers had arrived at the idea of having a meeting in a hazardous way, unsure about what they wanted to achieve but cognisant of the need to address the issues of small states' ability to deal with the new international trading environment. By the end of the two-day meeting participants had discovered that they were discussing issues relevant to their concerns and which could generate further research.

The two fundamental issues were the content of Free Trade Agreements and how well prepared we were to deal with these agreements. Addressing these areas of concern were policy-makers, academics, and people who were actually involved in the mechanics of implementation. Dr. Gonzales commented on the quality of the presentations, that in such a short space of time such good speakers, willing to write and present papers, had been found. It was now necessary to follow up these discussions with research.

Out of these discussions, the following were identified:

a. the need for research, including the formulation of trade policy;
b. the need for data base building and networking to ensure that everyone, in the general public as well as among trade practitioners, was well informed both within the region and internationally.
c. the need for training of negotiators: since FTA discussions had already begun it was important to increase the pace at which such training was provided. The Institute of International Relations could play a role in providing such a service.
d. subject areas for discussion at future conferences including FTAs among our neighbours and educating CARICOM members about MERCOSUR.

Dr. Gonzales thanked Mr. Kappeler for his role in organising the programme and bringing the participants together; Dr. Moustafa El Said Hassouna of the IDIS in Nairobi, Kenya and Mr. Kurt Kwasny of UNCTAD in Geneva for travelling such a long distance at such short notice to present papers and participate in the colloquium; as well as all those who attended from regional and international organisations. He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the conference as well as the hope that it was just a beginning and that the effort would grow and expand in the future.