PRIME Minister P.J. Patterson has encouraged delegates attending the 24th meeting of the Miami Conference on the Caribbean and Latin America to move steadfast in strengthening multilateral trading systems, thereby promoting global growth and stability, as well as safeguarding the interests of developing countries.
The Prime Minister was speaking at the conference held in Miami last week, under the theme 'The Challenges for the Americas: Transition to the Global Economy'.
Mr. Patterson said that countries should complete the implementation of the Uruguay Round trade agreements, and that they could move ahead, by commencing negotiations on the agriculture and services sections of the Built-In-Agenda, which are areas of vital importance to developing countries.
The Prime Minister noted that the multi-functional dimensions of the agriculture sector, in particular the export of bananas, was vital to the survival and growth of Jamaican and Caribbean economies. He added that a healthy rural sector, where most agricultural activities are concentrated, has implications for poverty alleviation, raising standards of living, linkages with the urban sector, as well as for the economy as a whole.
He said it was now acceptable that a first-past-the-post method of allocating quotas and licences, cannot serve the interests of any party with a substantial involvement in trade.
"With the advent of a new US Administration, we are convinced it is possible for all parties to meet together and find a final solution at long last," the Prime Minister said.
Mr. Patterson told the conference that small states have a strong interest in the services sector, covering financial, tourism and professional services. He said the countries of the region looked forward to the commencement of WTO negotiations, so that the barriers to the export of services can be eliminated.
