Foreign Relations Minister Carlos Morales Troncoso announced the signing of the European Partnership Agreement with the European Union today at the Sherbourne Conference Centre in Bridgetown, Barbados. He stressed that the agreement would enhance the DR’s relationship with 27 countries in the European Union and 15 Cariforum countries (Caribbean Community and the Dominican Republic). Morales highlighted the fact that it would have a positive effect on cacao, sugar, tobacco and free zone manufacturing exports. Once signed in Barbados, the agreement requires Congressional approval. Morales Troncoso is traveling to Barbados with a delegation that also includes the Minister of Industry and Commerce, the government department in charge of administering the agreement. In addition to the DR, 13 other Caribbean countries are scheduled to sign the European Partnership Agreement today. Haiti will reportedly be the only country not to sign. The agreement reciprocates free trade agreement on almost all products with Europe. Previously, free trade was one-way, from the Caribbean to Europe.
See: www.jamaicaobserver.com