Preface

• Author: Edwin Laurent
• Pages: 9-10

ix

Introduction

This publication is both a welcome and timely contribution from the

hands of an experienced Caribbean trade diplomat who has represented the

region well, particularly the OECS, in Brussels and Geneva for many years.

The presentations provide very helpful insights and discourse on the

major trade and related economic issues that currently engage the minds of

policymakers and key stakeholders in the Caribbean Community. While the

diminution or loss of long-standing preferential trade benefits have

overshadowed the region’s trade policy for the past decade, the author has

very astutely and in a pragmatic way stated the case for the diversification

of the “small mono-crop or single industry developing countries” that dominate

the Caribbean landscape. Such diversification, it is argued, “is essential for

balanced and sustained economic growth and development of CARICOM”.

The publication also addresses the oft asked question whether CARICOM,

as a group of small states with little leverage or power in the global trading

system, should remain engaged in the external negotiations and international

agencies like the World Trade Organization (WTO). It is generally recognized

or conceded that the cost of exclusion or staying out could be too high even

for the ‘small vulnerable economies’ of the Caribbean. The author is realistic

in his contention that “based on experience and lessons of the past.. .small

size and consequent lack of commercial and political power do not, on their

own, preclude countries from exercising, influence in international decision-

making...(that) in their pursuit of favourable decision-making at the

international level, CARICOM Members can obtain leverage through working

with allies and benefiting from the support of friendly countries and

institutions.”

PREFACE