Governance Structures for the Formulation and Negotiation of Trade Policy

• Author: Gail Mathurin
• Pages: 233-236

Governance Structures 233

In this chapter, I will look at the governance structures which CARICOM

has put in place to formulate trade policy and by extension, to participate

in trade negotiations. In particular, I wish to assess whether these structures

are adequate to the task.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

At the present time, CARICOM is involved in an unprecedented number

of trade related negotiations — at the bilateral, hemispheric and global

levels. All of these are designed to remove to the extent possible, national

barriers to trade and investment. The results of these negotiations will

have a profound impact on national economic policy and activities. It is

therefore crucial for CARICOM to ensure that the rules and obligations

which emerge from these various processes, take fully into account the

interests of the member states of CARICOM and the peculiar constraints

faced by small, vulnerable developing countries.

Let us first of all take a brief look at what is now in place.

The Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, establishing the Single Market

and Economy, places certain obligations on member states with regard to

the development of trade policy. There are two main obligations contained

in Chapter 5 of the Revised Treaty. The first obliges member states to

coordinate their trade policies with third states or with groups of third

states (Art. 80 Par. 1) and the second states that the Community shall

pursue the negotiation of external trade and economic agreements on an

ongoing basis in accordance with principles and mechanisms established

by the Conference (Art. 80 Par. 2).

The main principles guiding CARICOM’s external negotiations at this

stage are:

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURESGOVERNANCE STRUCTURES

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURESGOVERNANCE STRUCTURES

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES

FOR THE FORMULATION ANDFOR THE FORMULATION AND

FOR THE FORMULATION ANDFOR THE FORMULATION AND

FOR THE FORMULATION AND

NEGOTIATION OF TRADE POLICYNEGOTIATION OF TRADE POLICY

NEGOTIATION OF TRADE POLICYNEGOTIATION OF TRADE POLICY

NEGOTIATION OF TRADE POLICY

Gail Mathurin

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