
The PPP / C Government has taken a proactive approach to addressing the decades-old trade barrier issue affecting Guyanese exports in some Caribbean countries.
Following a mandate by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation set up an inter-ministerial working group to find solutions to the issue.
Since starting work in December, the group completed two reports, the first of which was presented to Dr. Ali. The working group, in that report, identified the countries and trade issues surrounding the barriers.
Trinidad and Tobago have been identified as the country presenting the greatest challenges. The twin-island republic, during a meeting with Guyana on January 8, pledged to address the issue and provide some feedback. Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados are among the other countries identified.
The Foreign Secretary, Mr Robert Persaud said that the issue of accessing markets in the Region, particularly in the agricultural, manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors, had been going on for too long. He assured Guyanese that the matter would not be handled lightly.
“We are looking at a wide range of measures, including the inclusion of the CARICOM Secretariat on how we can quickly alleviate this perennial, ongoing issue of non-tariff barriers in the Region for now, and addressed very hurriedly, ”the Foreign Secretary said on Wednesday.
Central to the trade barrier issues are applications for permits, unclear guidelines, a vigorous application process, and a lack of clarity about phytosanitary requirements.
In addition to bilateral talks, the Foreign Secretary said the Ministry would use regional machineries, including CARICOM and the CARICOM Competition Commission, and would support companies seeking legal action for unfair treatment.
“In Guyana, we are not going to take this issue lightly of having access to market and non-tariff barriers. We believe in the spirit of the Caribbean Community. There should be some priority in promoting inter-regional trade.
“The food import bill for the Region is more than US $ 4 billion annually. Here is Guyana, we have faced restrictions on simple things like citrus, honey, livestock, from sister states. But we will be very aggressive and also proactive in getting them or sorting out how these issues will be handled and treated with a degree of alacrity. ”
Mr Persaud said that the sector is most affected by the barriers and that the Government would “enable, facilitate, and use diplomatic and trade mechanisms” to address this issue. [Extracted and Modified from DPI]