November 25, 2016:
“2016 has been a remarkable year for the casual observer; but for parliamentarians involved in multilateralism and representative politics, it has been a reminder of how dynamic the world is and how we must constantly be aware of the needs and desires of the people we serve,” were the opening words of Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry to the Parliamentarians present at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) - World Trade Organisation (WTO), Parliamentarian Workshop on Tuesday 22 November, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Re-affirming Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to the multilateral system and to the WTO, Senator Gopee-Scoon said “the WTO remains Trinidad and Tobago’s, and if I may dare say, the Region’s, best chance to leverage its small size in the international trading community. The multilateral process, and in particular the Doha Development Round, is an important part of our wider national development strategy”. Doha is the only negotiating Round that has placed the needs and interests of developing countries at the heart of the WTO’s Work Programme. Doha’s goal of providing meaningful access for developing countries’ exports to developed markets in a fair and balanced way aligns with Trinidad and Tobago’s strategies for sustainable economic growth and diversification. The Minister stated that “despite the premature conclusion of Doha, Trinidad and Tobago nevertheless remains firm in its conviction and support of the Doha Round and the multilateral process”.
In closing the Trade and Industry Minister gave a challenge to the CARICOM members, the wider Caribbean and all developing countries to have honest, open and frank discussions of the issues and respond to the new economic realities and challenges currently being faced.
In her Opening Address, the Honourable Bridgid Annisette-George, Speaker of the House of Representatives noted that “while it is for governments to negotiate international trade rules and agreements, as legitimate representatives of the people who elect them, parliamentarians have a constitutional role to consider and ratify these agreements and implement their provisions through domestic legislation and appropriate budgetary allocations”.
The Honourable Shirley Osbourne, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Montserrat and Vice Chairperson of the CPA expressed appreciation to the World Trade Organisation for its continued partnership in the crucial area of regional interest and parliamentary business. The CPA’s Vice-Chair, reminding the Parliamentarians of their roles, said “we are an important link between constituents and their government and it is important for us to work collectively to create a world trading system and indeed a global economy that is equitable and fair and leaves no one behind”.
Mr Bernard Kuiten, Head of External Relations of the World Trade Organisation expressed great pleasure to participate in the regional parliamentary workshop and reminded the participants of their essential input in the discussions. He said “legislators represent the eyes and ears of society and your inputs are important and crucial before, during and at the end of a negotiating process”.
The three (3) day workshop was designed to enable Parliamentarians to obtain a better understanding of the WTO Rules and its functions and provide a forum for the exchange of views on their experiences in economic and trade policies, including emerging challenges and issues for Branches of the Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic (CAA) Region.
END
For further information, please contact:
Senior Corporate Communications Officer
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Tel: (868) 623-8480/623-2931 ext. 2722