Which sectors have been opened by CARIFORUM to the EU?
The sectors that were liberalized by CARIFORUM states include those that have positive development impacts and in which Member States are seeking investment or new technologies as well as sectors that are important to create economic opportunities in outsourcing contracts from European firms. To a large extent, most countries liberalized cross-border trade and investment. However, there is quite limited temporary entry (Mode 4) coverage for contractual service suppliers and independent professionals. The main sectors that most CARIFORUM states have liberalized in the EPA are: Business services (accounting, architecture, engineering, etc); computer and related; research and development; environmental services; management consultancy; maritime transport; entertainment; tourism; among others. Some of the commitments will be phased-in over time in some member states to address sensitivities at the national level.
Are provisions on Tourism services included in the EPA?
Yes. The EPA delivered specific disciplines on tourism services because of its importance to the social and economic development of both regions, whereas the WTO has been unsuccessful in this regard. Therefore the EPA yielded benefits for the development of CARIFORUM’s tourism sector not achieved at the multilateral level. These rules are complemented by a commitment to legally binding relatively open market conditions for each other. For example, The EC has made commitments for travel agencies, tour operators, tourist guides services. CARIFORUM States on the other hand have made commitments in relation to hotels and restaurants, marina services and spa services. The EPA text establishes a common understanding on the regulatory framework for the tourism. The EPA has created institutions such as the CARIFORUM –EC Council and the Committees which deal with specific issues to ensure the implementation of commitments in the Agreement. For example the Joint Committee will facilitate the exchange of information and consultation between officials and other stakeholders on matters pertaining to tourism.
What are benefits of the provisions on Tourism?
The EPA includes measures that would make it easier for EU investors to invest in the Region, apart from the rules on competition mentioned above. It also recognizes the export capacity and competitiveness constraints that confront the Region, through provisions aimed at strengthening CARIFORUM firms and institutions, including small firms which are traditionally marginalized in the European and global market by larger international players. For example, there are provisions for programmes to facilitate cooperation between industry associations, and mechanisms to improve access to market information. With respect to the movement of tourism professionals, the tourism sector is highlighted as one of the priority sectors for dialogue between the relevant professional bodies in the Caribbean and Europe, with a view to signing a mutual recognition agreement (MRA).
Mutual recognition
The initiation of meetings between professional bodies for the negotiation of mutual recognition agreements are scheduled no later than three years after entry into force of the EPA. Such an agreement would essentially be to accept each other’s methods of accrediting professionals in the respective educational and certification systems. The rights of access of qualified CARIFORUM professionals to the European services market will not be reduced pending negotiation of MRAs, and CARIFORUM and European professionals will be required to comply with any European industry standards, qualifications and criteria in the territory of the other Party.
