Calls for closer unity between CARICOM and SICA

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, CMC – Foreign Ministers from the Central American Integration System (SICA) have been called upon to continue their efforts at developing closer links with the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping.



Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Ambassador Albert Ramdin, was invited Sunday by SICA to address Central American foreign ministers on the state of SICA-CARICOM relations,



The meeting comes ahead of the Third SICA-CARICOM Summit scheduled to take place here on August 18-19. It will be attended by the leaders of both CARICOM and SICA countries as well as their foreign ministers.



"On matters of security, trade and investment, natural disasters, climate change and other issues, the need for cooperation and coordination has been magnified. Common challenges have provided unique opportunities to strengthen relations and promote cooperation. The challenge is to move ahead with tangible ways to strengthen political, economic and cultural relations," said Ramdin.

He said that the dialogue between high-level executives in both regions must be fostered if the two blocs are to enhance their political and economic relations, and capitalize on opportunities.



As a result, a meeting of senior business executives from Central America and the Caribbean in is also scheduled for next month.



Central America and the Caribbean together constitute a block of 21 countries and a market of over 50 million consumers. Trade between both regions is modest, but shows an upward trend.



Official figures show that in 2009 exports by SICA countries to the Caribbean totaled approximately US$314 million and imports from the Caribbean amounted to approximately US$337 million dollars., "Both regions can do more to develop new business opportunities in sectors such as tourism, agribusiness, banking, energy and recycling, and maybe also explore the possibility of a free trade agreement,” Ramdin said.



The meeting of business executives will explore strategic partnerships, promote business development between Central America and the Caribbean and initiate a dialogue on the important role of connectivity, access and ports to facilitate trade, cultural and personal relations between the two regions.