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Export Competitiveness in the context of Trade Negotiations (rev). Regional Workshop on Export Competitiveness Strategies 23-25 May, 2006 Amaryllis Hotel, Barbados. CARICOM’s Competitiveness vs. select Investment Competitors. Source: Global Competitiveness Report 2005. World Economic Forum.
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Export Competitiveness in the context of Trade Negotiations (rev) Regional Workshop on Export Competitiveness Strategies 23-25 May, 2006 Amaryllis Hotel, Barbados
CARICOM’s Competitiveness vs. select Investment Competitors Source: Global Competitiveness Report 2005. World Economic Forum
CARICOM Gaining market share LNG: 60% vs 12% Beer: 12% vs 7% Diamonds: 60% vs -19% Fresh papaya: 16% vs 12% Fertilizers: 556% vs 13% Frozen fish fillets: 27% vs 10% Electrical relays: 307% vs 4% CARICOM Losing market share Bananas: -8% vs 7% Shrimp/prawns: -4% vs 0% Portland Cement: -1% vs 6% Female underwear: -16% vs 5% Medicaments: -9% vs 29% Surface active preps: -4% vs 16% Toilet soaps: -5% vs 9% What is the big deal about trade negotiations?
How do the issues being discussed in Negotiations affect my firm’s competitiveness?
How do the issues being discussed in Negotiations affect my firm’s competitiveness?
CSM Services framework being widened • Currently covers 5 categories (graduates, media workers, musicians, artistes and sportspersons); • Revised treaty committed MS to provide wider coverage (self employed, businesspersons, spouses etc), but timetable staggered; • CARICOM accreditation agency being established by July 5, 2006 • CARICOM is also consulting various sectors (health) • Professional services study being contracted
Important deadlines in Current trade negotiations • April 2006- tariff reduction formula in WTO to be decided. Decisions to be made on sensitive products. • July 2006: Services offers/requests finalized • Dec 06- CARIBCAN waiver expires [new agreement required] • Sep. 30, 2008- CBI expires [new agreement required] • 2013- agricultural subsidies to be eliminated • EPA discussions ongoing to replace Cotonou by 2008 (check www.crnm.org). • Bilaterals between Canada and possibly US and Mercusor
If Private Sector does not prepare positions on these issues then…. • We will continue to “undercompete”. We do not adequately enforce the rights that we so costly negotiate. In many cases this results in poor development benefits of FTAs such as rural development, environmental protection etc. • National and regional PSOs will lose membership; • Private sector not able to maximize export sales; • Imports will continue to displace local sales; • Customs procedures will continue to be more focused on revenue than trade facilitation
When you go back to your firm…. • Spend 20 minutes/week to read TradeBrief and listen our Caribbean TradeBeat on www.crnm.org • Speak to your staff and unions/staff associations about trade issues. People need to know why they may either be called to move to another branch being opened overseas, or lose their jobs; • Email me private.sector@crnm.org with your comments and suggestions. All emails are confidential. Also contact your Chamber and trade Ministry • PARTICIPATE IN OUR SURVEYS