Challenges facing the Caribbean are outlined

The challenges facing the Caribbean in the forthcoming EPA negotiations with the EU can be found in a summary overview on page 3 of Trade Negotiations Insights, Vol. 1, Issue No.3. It contains a section dealing with the implications for the Caribbean of the Common Agricultural Policy which outlines the broad direction of reform and the implications it has for the value of trade preferences granted. The declining share of agricultural exports in the region's exports to the EU (down to 33% of the total in 2001 compared to 50% in 1990) is highlighted. Three products, rum, sugar and bananas, account for 25% of total exports. The paper urges Caribbean trade negotiators to 'greet with caution' any proposals that further erode the value of preferences in sectors of importance to the regional economy. It also notes the potential impact of reciprocal free trade on some of the region's locally orientated agricultural sectors.The challenges facing the Caribbean in the forthcoming EPA..