The CARIFORUM Directorate has concluded a successful two-day mission to St. Kitts and Nevis aimed at advancing the implementation and utilization of the CARIFORUM-European Union (EU) and CARIFORUM-United Kingdom (UK) Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs).

According to the Federal Ministry of International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the mission was designed to “strengthen national capacity to implement EPA commitments” and “enhance opportunities for local stakeholders to benefit from preferential access to the European and United Kingdom markets.”

During technical sessions under the National Task Force, participants focused on “identifying priority actions, strengthening institutional coordination, and agreeing on practical next steps” to support effective implementation of the Agreements.

Stakeholders discussed the benefits and opportunities available under the EPAs, particularly in trading services and exportation of goods.

Panel discussions explored strategies for “increasing the participation of St. Kitts and Nevis businesses and professionals in EU and UK markets,” while strengthening value chains and competitiveness.

Further, CARIFORUM which stands for the Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific States established in 1992 coordinates regional cooperation and trade relations with the European Union.