During the XXXI meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development of the Caribbean (COTED) held on Thursday at Georgetown, a special session was devoted to a proposal to guarantee access of Haiti to the regional market under preferential arrangements for a period of three years. This meeting brought together trade ministers from CARICOM.

At the end of this XXXI meeting, trade ministers of CARICOM, the CARICOM members have decided that Haiti will be allowed to export certain goods in the regional market (CARICOM area). A 3-year concession was granted to Haiti.

According to a statement from the CARICOM secretariat, an initial list of 42 items was accepted. Among the items approved were found among other paintings and drawings, peanut butter, corn meal, wood tableware and kitchenware, basketry and cocoa beans.

This concession will take effect from January 1st, 2011. Member States have pledged to continue consultations, for approval of additional products to the original list, requested by Haiti.

BF/ HaitiLibre