Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterje, hosted a reception for the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) delegation who are currently in Guyana for the 45th COTED meeting.
Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterje, and Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, share a toast at 45th COTED reception
High Commissioner Chatterje noted that the reception was another facet of the Canada Caricom relationship, which is grounded in strong people-to-people links as well as economic and diplomatic cooperation.
“Canada considers Caricom a valued partner. Over the years, our commercial relationship with the Caribbean has grown exponentially,” Commissioner Chatterje said.
She added that the two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Caricom member states reached $1.6 billion in 2015, while the total service trade reached $3.6 billion in 2015. She further added that over 2.2 million Canadians visit the Caribbean every year.
“We see great opportunities working with CARICOM and their individual members to continue building on this relationship, and at times repair areas of weakness,” Commissioner Chatterje noted.
High Commissioner Chatterje is also the Canadian Representative to Caricom.
Also speaking at the reception, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, in brief remarks, stated that Caricom stands ready to re-engage on the trade and development agreement. He added that CARICOM and Canada have enjoyed a strong relationship that will remain unbroken.
Additionally, the Caricom SG encouraged Canada to continue leading the charge in the fight against climate change “by getting the Paris Agreement implemented. It has to be 1.5, and we are not going to stop talking about climate change until it’s 1.5. One point five for us to stay alive.”
COTED plays a critical role in ensuring the functioning of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy through initiatives that streamline markets, foster economic and production integration, and facilitate the movement of skills among member states.
The 45th Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) concluded on Friday.
