9 February 2012: The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) supported the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat in holding a series of consultations with stakeholders on the Caribbean Regional Aid for Trade (AfT) Strategy, and now seeks contributions from additional stakeholders.

The first round of national consultations took place in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Commonwealth of Dominica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname, with representatives from the public and private sectors, various organizations, and academic professionals. Stakeholders also gathered in late January to discuss the AfT strategy and to develop a more cohesive trading system. Issues raised at the meeting included reducing transport costs, finding alternative energy sources, diversifying products, upgrading quality infrastructure, and establishing better education and training tools.

Arrangements for a second meeting are now being organized. Stakeholders from the region also are encouraged to provide online comments to the AfT draft. [IDB Press Release] [Submit Comments to the Strategy]