ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC—Chairman of the Caribbean Neighborhood (CARICOM) Council for Commerce and Financial Growth (COTED) E.P. Chet Greene has welcomed the revised measures introduced by the Workplace of the USA Commerce Consultant (USTR) relating to China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding practices.
United States President Donald Trump plans to impose a a million US greenback to US$1.5 million levy on all Chinese language-made ships getting into US harbors. Caribbean international locations have warned that such a coverage will enhance inflation and severely hamper their respective economies.
“As Chair of the CARICOM Council for Commerce and Financial Growth (COTED), I welcome the announcement by the Workplace of the USA Commerce Consultant (USTR) on the revised measures below the Part 301 investigation into China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding practices. Together with a particular exemption for CARICOM member states is a major and well timed achievement for our area,” Greene mentioned.
He counseled CARICOM leaders “for his or her principled management and strategic engagement, which ensured our collective issues have been heard and addressed,” noting the function performed by CARICOM chair, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, and the Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne for his or her stewardship and unwavering advocacy all through the discussions.
“This final result displays the power of regional unity and the outcomes we are able to obtain by coordinated motion. It’s the product of sustained diplomacy, rigorous technical submissions, and sturdy collaboration amongst CARICOM governments, the regional personal sector, and worldwide companions. It underscores our dedication to safeguarding Caribbean maritime commerce and the financial viability of small island states,” mentioned Greene, who can be Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of International Affairs, Commerce and Barbuda Affairs.
He additionally needed to acknowledge “the distinctive contribution of the CARICOM Non-public Sector Group (CPSO)” led by its chief government officer and technical director, Dr. Patrick Antoine.
“The CPSO’s technical perception and strategic advocacy have been important all through this course of. Their submissions to the USTR articulated the area’s distinctive vulnerabilities and strengthened our place’s legitimacy.”
Greene mentioned that the CPSO’s coordination with key maritime companions, together with the Tropical Delivery, Seaboard Marine, the Port Administration Affiliation of the Caribbean (PMAC), and the Caribbean Delivery Affiliation (CSA), “ensured that regional realities have been mirrored within the USTR’s ultimate choice.”
He mentioned in its willpower,” the USTR particularly acknowledged the CPSO/Caribbean Coalition submission and included particular provisions addressing quick sea transport and regional commerce, an important recognition of CARICOM’s structural maritime dependencies.”
Greene additionally acknowledged the function performed by the US Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett “for her steadfast help and deep understanding of Caribbean vulnerabilities.
“Her longstanding advocacy for Caribbean–US relations performed an important function on this success. It is a proud second for CARICOM. It demonstrates the facility of unity, strategic partnerships’ influence, and knowledgeable advocacy’s significance in shaping international commerce outcomes.”
Greene mentioned the USTR’s choice “opens the door for renewed engagement with the USA.
“With the sturdy technical basis laid by the CPSO and the Caribbean Neighborhood Secretariat, I encourage the Neighborhood to think about advancing discussions towards a mutually helpful commerce settlement,” he mentioned, including, “Allow us to proceed to behave with function, converse with one voice, and construct a resilient financial future for all CARICOM member states.”
