Senator Nicholson Says Jamaica Must Benefit From Trade Agreements

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. A.J. Nicholson, has said that while Jamaica respects its trade agreements, as a small, vulnerable economy, the country must also be able to benefit from these arrangements.

“This means increasing exports; otherwise, free trade agreements will only lead to the accumulation of more debt by encouraging imports. This administration will therefore continue to require that trade agreements go beyond trade liberalisation and market access to embrace development issues,” Mr. Nicholson said.

He was addressing members of the Diplomatic Corps at Jamaica House, Tuesday Jan. 31, as part of activities to observe Diplomatic Week (January 29 to February 3).  

Senator Nicholson said that Jamaica will continue to focus on the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the CARIFORUM/EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). 

“In terms of negotiations, we expect to continue negotiation of the CARICOM/Canada Trade and Development Agreement and the Doha Round in the World Trade Organisation (WTO).  Jamaica, however, as a small vulnerable highly indebted economy, must be able to benefit from the trade agreements which it negotiates. In exchange for opening our markets, we must be able to take advantage of reciprocal market access,” he argued.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry is staging its 14th Diplomatic Week, which includes the customary presentation of diplomatic credentials to the Governor-General or the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, by High Commissioners and Ambassadors who have been newly appointed by their Governments.

The presentations are an early feature of the Week, since the diplomats must have presented their credentials, and in this way, participate as accredited representatives.

Between Tuesday, January 31 and Wednesday, February 1, the Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, and her Cabinet Ministers will address some 63 resident and non-resident Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Charge d’ Affaires.

By Alphea Saunders, JIS Senior Reporter