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CRNM/ IDB CARICOMAn Assessment of the CARICOM Agri-

Food Distribution Services Industry

Robert Best & Larry PlacideWest Indian ProjectsBarbados, 24 May 2007

8. Negotiations

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TodayOnly Guyana has commitmentsHesitancy to commit the sectorYet CARICOM remains relatively openRestrictions in place in the EUEU interest in Distribution ServicesBusinesses have not been active in agitating for new access

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Restrictions

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CARICOM Restrictions: Retail

Country UNCPC Code/Measure Services Affected

Specific Restrictions Summary Description of Measure Barbados 62 RETAIL TRADE SERVICES

Small Business Development Act An approved small business is provided with tax and other incentives S. 3(1)(b) provides that a small business is an enterprise that has 75% of its shares locally owned.

Grenada 62126 Non-specialized store retail trade services, of beverages

Liquor Dealers Licences Act (Cap 174)

Act prescribes the requirements for obtaining a liquor licence [Discretionary grant of licence possible]

Saint Lucia 621 Non-specialized store retail trade services

Tourist (Duty Free Shopping System) Act No.23 Of 1986

Act prescribes for the registration, licensing and grant of permits for Duty Free Shops and to operators. [Discretion possible in grant of licence; policy dictates that retail sales and operation of agencies and distributorships be restricted to St Lucian nationals]

Saint Lucia 62273 Specialized store retail trade services, of pharmaceutical and medical goods

Druggists And Poisons Ordinance No. 9 Of 1960 Act prescribes the requirements for regulation of Druggists [potential for use of discretion in registration process exists]

Saint Lucia 62291 Specialized store retail trade services, of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels and related products

Petroleum Act (Cap.84) Act prescribes the requirements to obtain a licence to sell petroleum. [Potential for use of discretion exists]

St. Vincent and the Grenadines 621 [Non-specialized store retail trade services]

Tourist (Duty Free) Shopping Act The Act requires the licensing of tourist duty free shop operators, permits for agents and licences for shop premises and gives the Comptroller the discretion not to grant or renew a licence or permit where the applicant is not a resident of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. [This restriction entered into force after July 1998 and hence violates Art 36]

Source: CARICOM Secretariat (2006)

BAHAMAS - QRS, location, hours

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CARICOM Restrictions: Food Services

Country UNCPC Code/Measure Services Affected

Specific Restrictions Summary Description of Measure Barbados 63 LODGING; FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVING SERVICES

Small Business Development Act An approved small business is provided with tax and other incentives S. 3(1)(b) provides that a small business is an enterprise that has 75% of its shares locally owned.

Barbados 632 Restaurant services

Administrative Small scale tourism related activities such as restaurants are usually reserved for Barbadian nationals therefore work permits may not be granted.

Guyana 85990 Franchising

Trade marks Act: Chapter 90:01; Patent and Designs Act; Chapter 90:03

Work Permit

Suriname 63300 Beverage serving services for consumption on the premises

Licensing "Wet op drankhuizen en huizen van Openbare vermakelijkhenden" of 1872 does not include a discriminatory practice. However, the District Commissioner has the power to prohibit categories of persons to pour, serve or hand out alcoholic beverages.

Work Permit The Granting of licences is not restricted to Surinamese, but Article 9 gives the Minister the power to grant licences under specific conditions in the case of companies: vide other sub-sectors.

Source: CARICOM Secretariat (2006)

BAHAMAS - Ownership, citizen input,

Size and nationality considerations

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CARICOM Restrictions:Food Wholesale

Country UNCPC Code/Measure Services Affected

Specific Restrictions Summary Description of Measure

Barbados 61 WHOLESALE TRADE SERVICES

Small Business Development Act An approved small business is provided with tax and other incentives

Grenada 61 WHOLESALE TRADE SERVICES

The Act requires the licensing of exporters of fresh produce and the approval of the packing house.

The Act requires the licensing of exporters of fresh produce and the approval of the packing house.

Barbados 672 Storage and warehousing services

Small Business Development Act An approved small business is provided with tax and other incentives

Source: CARICOM Secretariat (2006)

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Sector Sensitivity Assessed

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Latin America

SpecificCentral America and DRCAFTA-DR

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North AmericaPretty Open OverallBeveragesTemporary Movement of PersonsHow will we negotiate it?

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Europe Model Schedule

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Principles for Engagement“Sensitivity” should not be used to avoid participationAvoid broad commitmentsIdentify and seek to eliminate external restrictions linked with your identified trading interestsSeek Development SupportRemember future negotiations