It is an honour for me to address you on behalf of Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite, Secretary General (acting) of the Caribbean Community at this Regional Forum on Aid for Trade for the Caribbean. She has asked that I convey her best wishes for a stimulating and successful event.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat readily welcomed the invitation to collaborate with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Secretariat and the Inter-American.

Development Bank (IDB) in the organisation of this event. I wish to acknowledge the contributions of the staff from each of those organisations who have made it possible for us to be here today. This Forum presents a valuable opportunity for representatives from CARICOM Member States, regional and sub-regional organisations, the private sector and international development partners to take stock of the experience with Aid for Trade to date and to share perspectives on how the Region’s experience with Aid for Trade can be enhanced leading up to the Third Global Review of Aid for Trade scheduled for July this year.