The World Trade Organization will offer an exclusive eight-week training programme at the Institute of International Relations of the University of the West Indies to participants from across the region, specifically designed to meet the needs of Caribbean trade professionals.
Deputy Principal of the UWI, Professor Derek Chadee, says the Trade Policy Course for Caribbean Members and Observers is important for enhancing regional trade policy expertise and increasing autonomy through essential pillars of economic advancement.
“Caribbean economies, despite their size, have the potential to leverage trade policies to drive sustainable growth, advocate for fair trade conditions, and navigate economic shifts with resilience.”
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Randall Karim, acknowledged programmes like these serve as a critical resource structure for developing countries. He also reminded participants of the value of multilateral trading systems.
“For the Caribbean, trade is not just the cross-border flow of goods and services; it is a pathway to prosperity, a way to address shared challenges, and a platform on which resilient economies are built.”
Meanwhile, Acting Director of the Institute of International Relations, Dr. Annita Montoute, noted that recent global and hemispheric developments are once again pointing to the challenges posed to multilateralism as larger states assert their influence.
“These circumstances underscore the necessity for smaller states to be well-prepared to navigate the complexities of an increasingly turbulent environment and the constricted policy space they face.”
The eight-week training programme is being facilitated by experts at the World Trade Organization in collaboration with the Institute of International Relations.
WTO Deputy Director-General Ambassador Xiangchen Zhang said the course is a valuable investment not only in individuals’ professional growth but also in assisting their countries to engage in global trade.