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Santo Domingo.– President Luis Abinader stated this Friday that the CARIFORUM–European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) must be embraced as a tool for sustainable development, regional integration, investment, competitiveness, and cooperation, while calling for the strengthening of the Caribbean’s economic coordination and moving toward a more practical, effective implementation that is closer to the real needs of the economies.
n” “nWhile participating in the Fifth Meeting of the CARIFORUM–European Union Joint Council, held for the first time in the Dominican Republic, the president highlighted the importance of the meeting, as it is the first gathering of this body since 2017.
n” “n“This meeting is of particular importance, as it is the first time it has met since 2017. The Joint Council is the highest governance body of the CARIFORUM–European Union Economic Partnership Agreement, responsible for overseeing its implementation and defining strategic guidelines to strengthen the economic, trade, and cooperation relationship between our regions. In that sense, we must not wait another 9 years without meeting,” he expressed.
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The head of state maintained that for the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean represents much more than its geographical environment; “it is a natural economic partner” and in that sense, he reported that in 2025 trade with CARIFORUM countries reached US$420 million, of which more than US$300 million corresponded to Dominican exports. Likewise, he highlighted that the Dominican export basket to CARIFORUM went from 1,070 products in 2020 to 1,184 products in 2025.
n” “nAbinader also highlighted the strength of economic relations with the European Union and noted that in 2025, trade between both parties reached US$5.171 billion, while Dominican exports to the European market grew by 19%, reaching US$1.15849 billion. “These figures reflect a solid relationship, but they also remind us that there is still ample room to grow, diversify, and add greater value,” he stated.
n” “nThe head of State affirmed that the CARIFORUM-EU EPA must transcend its commercial dimension and become a platform to boost the development of the countries in the region. “The CARIFORUM-EU EPA Agreement should not be seen solely as a trade agreement. It is also a tool for sustainable development, regional integration, investment, competitiveness, and cooperation. Its success must be measured by the results it generates for our companies, our producers, our MSMEs, and our citizens,” he emphasized.
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Likewise, he pointed out that Caribbean countries face the challenge of strengthening their integration, building regional value chains, and better leveraging the opportunities offered by the European market.
n” “n“The Dominican Republic assumes its role within CARIFORUM with responsibility and reaffirms its willingness to contribute to a more competitive, better articulated, and results-oriented regional agenda,” he stated.
n” “nThe president also acknowledged the European Union’s leadership in sustainability, traceability, and high quality standards, although he considered it necessary to ensure that the transition toward those standards is supported and viable for producers, especially for small and medium-sized ones.
“We share that vision. But we must also ensure that the transition towards those standards is accompanied, proportionate, and viable for our producers, especially for small and medium-sized ones,” he/she expressed.
n” “nFinally, President Abinader called for taking advantage of the meeting to renew the common commitment of both regions and strengthen a strategic alliance oriented toward the development and well-being of their peoples. “From Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic reaffirms its commitment to open trade, with clear rules, with regional integration, and with a stronger, more modern, and beneficial CARIFORUM–European Union alliance for our peoples.”
n” “nThe meeting is taking place within the framework of the CARIFORUM–European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), a high-level trade mechanism that brings together 42 member countries, and is being held for the first time in the Dominican Republic.
During his welcoming remarks to the representatives of the countries present.
The event was also led by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM), Yayo Sanz Lovatón; the European Union Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Theodora Constantinidou.
n” “nDuring the working sessions, CARIFORUM members, delegates, and technical teams will address key issues related to the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement and trade facilitation.
n” “nAbout CARIFORUM–European Union
n” “nThe Fifth Meeting of the Joint Council is part of the monitoring mechanisms of the EPA signed between the European Union and the CARIFORUM countries. This instrument, compatible with the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), aims to contribute to the reduction and eventual eradication of poverty through the strengthening of trade, sustainable development, and regional integration in the Caribbean.
n” “nThe agreement was signed on October 15, 2008, and since it entered into force, it has served as a platform to diversify Caribbean exports, improve regional competitiveness, and strengthen economic ties between both regions.
n” “nCARIFORUM is comprised of 15 member states: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Dominican Republic.
n” “nFor its part, the European Union is made up of 27 member states, with which the Caribbean maintains a broad cooperation agenda focused on economic development, sustainability, resilience, and institutional strengthening.
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