Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (September 19th 2014) - On September 23rd, the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), through the Directorate of Trade Development and External Economic Relations will convene the 29th Special Committee Meeting on Trade Development and External Economic Relations at its Headquarters in Port of Spain.

Secretary General of the ACS, H.E. Alfonso Múnera will deliver introductory remarks followed by the Government of Mexico in its capacity as Chair of the Special Committee on Trade.

The Meeting will address through the report of Directorate, delivered by Alberto Durán, Director of Trade of the ACS, an update on completed activities; ongoing projects, new initiatives and collaborative efforts in which the ACS Directorate of Trade is currently engaged.

Mr. Rui Oliveira Reis, Regional Coordinator of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) along side Mr. Pier Rossi Longhi IOM Border and Immigration Management Specialist, will present a draft proposal entitled: “Towards a Standardized System for Facilitated Business Visa Issuance in the Greater Caribbean.” This proposal seeks to facilitate the movement of business persons throughout the Greater Caribbean region, by improving migration management for trade enhancement. The topic of business visas and the movement of business persons continues to be a main priority on the Trade Agenda of the Region.

The Directorate, together with the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID) will also report on the status of the initiatives, “International Transit of Goods in the Greater Caribbean” and “Interconnectivity Improvement to Trade Facilitation in the Greater Caribbean.”  These projects are aimed at addressing obstacles and challenges to trade facilitation as they relate to customs procedures, maritime transport and port development within the Region.

During the proceedings, the Directorate will launch volume one of the Economic Trade Bulletin, a collaborative undertaking between the Trade Directorate and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC) Sub-Regional Offices in Trinidad and Tobago and Mexico.

Other topics tabled for discussion include the recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA) and the ACS, which identifies themes of common interest to both organizations in order to further consolidate the existing relationship, as well as activities outlined between the two organizations, planned to be executed during the period of the remainder of 2014 and throughout 2015.

Discussions on procedural matters, including establishing a date for the 30th Special Committee Meeting on Trade, will conclude the day’s events.