Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Caribbean Community: Trade

Thursday 2 May 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK-CARICOM trade in 2023 was 5.1 billion, a 11% increase from the previous year.
  • Inaugural meeting of the economic partnership agreement body with CARIFORUM took place.
  • UK values the CARIFORUM trade agreement and aims to ensure its benefits.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Daniel Kawczynski Con
Business & Trade
Context

The MP is concerned about the current level of trade agreements between the UK and CARICOM, suggesting that existing arrangements need improvement.

Question

I am concerned about recent progress on increasing levels of trade with Caribbean Community member states. The copy-and-paste trade deals we inherited from the EU are insufficient for such an important region, which includes many British overseas territories and Commonwealth nations with historic ties to the UK. We require a tailored trade agreement with CARICOM that rescinds protectionist measures imposed by the EU.

Answer from Greg Hands

I am pleased to note that annual UK-CARICOM trade in 2023 was £5.1 billion, up by 11% on the previous year. We have had an inaugural meeting of our economic partnership agreement body with CARIFORUM, underscoring the importance of this trading relationship and exploring opportunities for further enhancement. I suggest arranging a meeting between my hon Friend and Jonathan Knott, the trade commissioner, who would be delighted to discuss Caribbean trade possibilities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline or commitments for establishing a tailored trade agreement with CARICOM

How: I Might Suggest Arranging A Meeting Between My Hon. Friend And The Trade Commissioner

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Q2 Daniel Kawczynski Con
Business & Trade
Context

The MP is concerned about the current level of trade agreements between the UK and CARICOM, suggesting that existing arrangements need improvement.

Question

I am speaking as chairman of several all-party parliamentary groups focusing on St Kitts and Nevis, Guyana and the Caribbean. Given these historic ties, we need a more tailored approach to trade with CARIFORUM than what is currently in place, which was copied from EU agreements. What specific steps will be taken to rescind protectionist measures imposed by the European Union?

Answer from Greg Hands

I thank my hon. Friend for his engagement in St Kitts, Guyana, and throughout the Caribbean, which remains a focus given current situations on its borders. The CARIFORUM trade agreement is valued by the UK; we have held an inaugural meeting of our economic partnership agreement body to ensure it benefits our trade with the region. I suggest arranging a meeting between my hon Friend and Jonathan Knott, who would be happy to discuss further possibilities for enhancing Caribbean trade.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps to rescind protectionist measures in UK-CARICOM trade agreements

How: I Might Suggest Arranging A Meeting Between My Hon. Friend And The Trade Commissioner

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