Ms. Wendy Lee Yuen served as Chairperson in the absence of Mr. Patrick Sibblies. She called the meeting to order at 4.10 p.m. She welcomed all participants to the meeting and apologised for the President of CABA, Mr. Patrick Sibblies’ absence due to illness. She informed that the President had sent his address, which had been copied for all participants. The address highlighted the role and achievements of CABA over the last year and outlined opportunities for the Association. In the interest of time conservation, she asked participants to read the address at an appropriate time. A list of participants is attached as Appendix 1.

The Draft Agenda for the Annual General Meeting was adjusted to facilitate commitments on the part of Dr. Antoine. The presentation by Dr. Antoine was brought forward and the amended agenda was adopted as shown in Appendix 2.

2.1 Introduction

Dr. Antoine of the ATNU of the CRNM presented an update on the Doha negotiations. He stated that there is currently reform of the agriculture trading position. Before the Uruguay Round, agriculture was not included. Under the WTO, it was addressed in the form of Domestic Support, Market Access and Export Subsidy. There was an undertaking to continue reform over the course of the negotiating cycle and this was continued at Doha.

Before Doha, there were differences in proposals but at Doha, unlike at Seattle, there was consensus to resolve the differences. For developing countries, it would be necessary to find a way to resolve the issues. Countries, such as, India, Pakistan and Argentina, were very concerned as to the finding of an acceptable resolution. Consequently, agriculture and its implications would have to be addressed or else the conference would fail.

2.2 Results of Doha

The following were discussed at Doha:

The major items were then highlighted:

With respect to the Doha Ministerial Declaration, the situation of Net Food Importing Developing Countries was not addressed to their satisfaction. In fact they appeared to be worse off as there is there is also a lack of specific language on the special needs of Small Developing Countries. It was clear that there would be no sub-category of developing countries.

The Development Box as proposed by the Dominican Republic was not accepted. However, it can still be done under Special and Differential Treatment. There was also reference to the Marrakech Declaration. There was a decision to make it implementable and although it does not address agriculture, it speaks to food, and this is pleasing to the negotiators.

Another key issue developed was the omission of HIV/AIDS from TRIPS. With respect to TRIPS and Public Health, there is nothing in the agreement to stop members from taking measures to protect public health.

Fisheries is now being included in the negotiations. However, there are loopholes in the agreement which will not prevent developed countries from continuing previous practices.

In addition, the deadline for the use of Export Subsidies has been extended to 2007.

It was stressed that the negotiating process was less than democratic. Also, there was limited capacity of small states to deal with the negotiations. In general though, the results coming out of the negotiations were fairly balanced.

The respective countries submitted their positions to the RNM while Caricom financed the development of proposals based on these Caribbean positions. Between 2001 and 2003, the various issues/modalities must be decided. By 2003, the CSM&E must also be factored into the negotiations. Dr. Antoine stressed that the timeline for negotiations is tight. Stakeholders will determine the rewards from the negotiations by their inputs to their respective Governments for inclusion in the national and/or regional positions.

2.3 Comments

The role of CABA in facilitating trade was expressed in light of the upcoming FTAA and Caricom-Dominican Republic agreements.

CABA’s presence is needed in Haiti to provide information, tackle globalization and stimulate trade.

It was highlighted that there is a need for the CRNM to share information with the private sector since there are gains to be obtained by the economies from same and vice versa.

The need for the private sector to contribute financially to the negotiating process was emphasised as businesses would either benefit or suffer from the results of the negotiations. To date, the brewing and poultry industries are set to assist.

The decision of the Alliance and IICA in October 2001 to develop a virtual trade academy was outlined. This initiative will allow for a larger number of persons including those from the private sector to understand issues arising in the negotiations and their implications on industry viability. It will also provide for greater dissemination of information.

3 Presentation: Draft for CABA Interconnection Program

Dr. Dagenais, CA Representative in Barbados presented a proposal for the development of an Information and Interconnection Program to Implement and Develop Best Management Practices along with Improved Competitiveness for six sub-sectors in the Agri-Food Sector. The Program seeks to develop a network of stakeholders related to the field of production and covers six commodities i.e. rice, poultry, pork, sugar cane, dairy and fruits and vegetables.

The program entails training the stakeholders in Best Management Practices, building a network of the said participants, identifying problems related to Best Management Practices and finally, to establish research protocols to address the problems and finding ways to realise the said research.

The training would be done via distance education using CD-Rom methodology and examining case studies. There would be a cost attached to the program which students would be required to pay. The proposal would be submitted to the World Bank for funding. However IICA cannot submit the project. It is being proposed that the submission be made by CABA. Thus CABA will have overall responsibility for the project through a Project Board of Management comprising a representative from each of the selected commodities.

3.1 Comments

Dr. Chesney stated that the proposal was to have been taken to the Board of Directors’ Meeting. However, in the absence of same within the time frame for its submission, the proposal is brought to the AGM for endorsement. With this approval, the project will be taken to the Caribbean Development Bank (which has displayed some support) and then to the World Bank. However, there is need for the support of CABA members.