Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Mr. Edwin W. Carrington, is in Japan working with officials there to add new impetus to CARICOM-Japan cooperation with their immediate priority being to focus on establishing a Foreign Ministerial forum.

This visit by the CARICOM Secretary-General to Japan is a critical component in recent efforts by both CARICOM and Japan to work towards strengthening cooperation and mutual understanding and to heighten the visibility of the relationship. In addition to the programme for the visit of CARICOM Foreign Ministers to Japan, possibly later this year, the discussions will include plans for Caribbean trade promotion activities in Japan and the closer definition of mechanisms for enhanced cooperation. The Japanese will also share information on the recently concluded G Summit.

On the CARICOM side, the outcome of the recently concluded 21^st Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government will be shared. The Community too will raise the issue of information technology, particularly as it continues to place great importance on skills development of its people.

The proposed Ministerial meeting will be the first of its kind between CARICOM Foreign Ministers and the Foreign Minister of Japan. The Meeting will mark the continuation of the long established relationship between Japan and the Region. Presently the Region holds annual consultations with Japan at the technical level and to date seven of these have taken place. Additionally, individual CARICOM Member States enjoy excellent bilateral relationship with Japan.