Antigua And Barbuda To Host 37th OECS Conference

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

23 April 2003

The OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) is staging its 37th meeting in Antigua and Barbuda from April 24 to April 26. The main topics of discussion are likely to be the current economic downturn and the creation of an OECS economic union.

One of the main issues on the agenda will be the discussion and agreement of the OECS Development Strategy plan, which is the fruit of several years of consultation with private sector bodies, trade unions, government representatives, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) and the OECS Secretariat. The Eastern Caribbean governmental heads will also review their last meeting with World Bank President James Wolfensohn, who promised the Washington-based bank's assistance on certain economic issues affecting the region.

On the road to economic union, discussions are likely to centre on the free movement of goods and services, and the elimination of work permits and land holding licences. The possibility of a single OECS passport will also be addressed.

The meeting is expected to hear a progress report on international trade matters such as WTO (World Trade Organisation) negotiations and the FTAA (Free Trade Areas of the Americas) proposals.

The conference will also be updated on the progress of the regional Aid Co-ordination Unit set up to advise OECS finance ministers on how to allocate funds from international organisations and financial institutions more efficiently.

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