Members of Consular Corps Commended for Promoting Country Abroad

Members of the Consular Corps of Jamaica have been commended for the representation they have been making to promote the country abroad, and the part they have played over the years in improving relations between the country and other states worldwide.
Addressing the 8th World Congress of Consuls at the Ritz Carlton Golf and Spa Resort in Montego Bay, yesterday (November 6), Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Professor Kenneth Hall, stressed that having effective consular representatives who were concerned about sustainable development and the part that trade played in the enhancement of the country’s development, was of critical necessity.
“I want to commend the Consular Corps of Jamaica . for the excellent contributions they have been making to the quality of the interaction between the Corps, the Jamaican Government and the Jamaican people at large. Under the leadership of the Dean, Arnold Foote, the Corps has not merely discharged their functions as outlined in the Vienna Convention of Consular Relations of 1963, but has used the Corps to promote improved relations between Jamaica and the countries with consular representatives in this country,” Professor Hall said.
Citing the recent Trade Fair hosted by the Consular Corps under the theme: ‘Sustainable Development Through Trade’, Professor Hall observed that the displays and the presence of the Consular Corps representatives provided valuable insights and information on the trade possibilities between other countries and Jamaica.
However, he lamented the slow pace of decisions on trade agreements and discussions involving the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which were currently in limbo.
“In the negotiations for trade agreements, which are critical to the work of the Consuls, we have found that all of the major trade agreements and discussions we are in, are moving slower than we can expect. The WTO, the Free Trade Area of the Americas and our relationships with the European Union and the partnership agreements, in every case, the pace has been slow, leaving countries in this trade context in limbo, that is, they are operating under systems which have become unacceptable and unpopular and yet the new agreements have not yet been put in place, so that they can function on a rule-based system,” Professor Hall said.
“For all of these reasons, I am confident that this 8th Congress will be remembered for the superb opportunity it provides for Consuls from all over the world to renew acquaintances and friendships, to exchange views and experiences, strengthen relations and work towards the enhancement of the consular functions worldwide.
Honorary Consuls from more than 80 countries are participating in the six-day Conference.
Members are private citizens appointed by foreign governments to represent their interests. They have been instrumental in promoting trade and other areas of bi-lateral co-operation across the world.