It is a pleasure for Grenada to be Chairing the Thirty-Sixth Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED).

Colleague Ministers, our Community is at yet another defining epoch in our development. Indeed, there is much skepticism among segments of our stakeholder groups, which has often-times weakened the case for the work of the COTED.

We must do two things through the important work at this 36^th COTED:

1. We must put proper plans in place for an extremely important and some might say a long overdue Strategic Retreat of the COTED. This is important to assist us in our rethink of the performance, conduct and future directions of the COTED.
2. We must also advance the work of this important organ of the Community at this 36^th session in a manner which enhances the success record of delivery of key decisions. Such a step at this 36^th Meeting will send an early signal that this COTED is both concerned and responsive about changing our reputation among important stakeholder Groups, particularly among the private sector.

On my own part, I feel humbled to be here as Minister of Trade and Economic Development.

Indeed, I have traversed all levels of the COTED, from Trade Officer and Official, to Director of Trade, Permanent Secretary and now as Minister of Trade and Economic Development.

Colleagues, I’m delighted too that I would be called upon to Chair this Thirty-Sixth Meeting, which marks my return to COTED circuit.

I would wish this Meeting to be a productive one. And though there are issues which are no doubt near and dear to Member States, I need not remind you that this Body would achieve nothing without compromise, cooperation and understanding of the position of others. Colleagues, critically, we cannot conduct the work of the Body in the absence of mutual respect for each other.

Colleagues, there is much to be done, we should not tarry. I therefore invite us to get down to serious business.

Thank you.