Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698839900190.pdf (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)
Presented by: Department and Commerce Overview • International Trade • Consumer Affairs – Consumer protection • What is International Trade?

• International the exchange of products and services from one country to another.
refers Trade to Main areas : • Trade in Goods (Trade Facilitation) • Trade in Services Main Organisations SVG is a part of related to trade • OECS https://oecs.org/ • CARICOM https://caricom.org/ OECS Benefits of OECS • Free movement of people (work and live) • Economic Union Joint institutions • CARICOM Benefits of CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) • Free movement of people (categories) – Artistes – Musician – Sports persons – Media workers – Nurses – Teachers – Artisan with CVQ – Security guards – Agricultural workers – Household domestics with CVQ or equivalent qualification – University Graduates and holders of Associate Degrees Benefits of CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) ● Free movement of Goods ● Free movement of Service Providers ● Right of Establishment ● Free movement of Capital CARIFORUM - Comprises the 15 CARICOM States and the Dominican Republic.
- These States have entered into a Economic Partner with the EU.EPA WTO ● World Trade Organization - Made up of 164 members - a forum for negotiating agreements aimed at reducing obstacles to International trade and ensuring a level playing field for all members.
Trade Agreements • SVG is a part of Bilateral Trade Agreements • CARIFORUM/EU Economic Partnership Agreement • CARIFORUM/UK Economic Partnership Agreement – CARICOM/Cuba – CARICOM/Costa Rica – CARICOM/Colombia – CARICOM/Dominican Republic – CARICOM/Venezuela Benefits from these Agreements • Preferential trade – less duties payable on goods entering the market of these countries.

This can make your goods more competitive.


– exporting of services Main Export Market • Trinidad and Tobago • St. Lucia • Antigua and Barbuda • Dominica • Barbados Main Export Products • Flour • Beer • Animal feeds • Rice • Root Crops • Malt Beverages • Doors, Windows etc • Fish Main source of Imports • North America • Trinidad and Tobago • Europe Consumer Affairs Main functions of Consumer Affairs 1.

Traders License 1.

Price control 1.
Consumer Protection AIM • Understanding your rights and responsibilities Eight Basic Consumer Rights Current Status of Consumer Protection • Consumer Protection Act 2020 –Purpose - is to promote and advance the social and economic welfare of consumers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines by – • • • (a) Establishing a legal framework for the achievement and maintenance of a consumer market that is fair, accessible, efficient and sustainable; (b) minimising any disadvantages experienced; (c) promoting fair and ethical business practices; Current Status of Consumer Protection Cont.
● (d) Promoting consumer confidence, through individual and group education, vigilance, advocacy and activism; ● (e) Providing a consistent, accessible and efficient system of resolution of disputes arising from consumer consensual transactions; and Current Status of Consumer Protection Cont.

•(f) Providing for an accessible, consistent, harmonized, effective and efficient system of redress for consumers.

•NB: THE ACT HAS TO BE PROCLAIMED BY THE GOVERNOR GENERAL.

Responsibilities of Consumers 1.


Inspect goods before making purchases 1.

Collect proof of transaction 1.

Know proper use of product/services A Chinese old saying goes, “You get what you pay for” A Chinese old saying goes, “You get what you pay for” WHERE?

Advice for Shopping online https Example https://outlook.live.com • Use only sites whose address starts with “https:” they are more secure.

Do not click on unfamiliar sites or links in strange emails.
Once you start a purchase on these sites, your personal information, including your name, date of birth, address, phone number, credit card number and passwords, will be stolen.

Protect your personal details.

Challenge to Students • Choose a career that can benefit others as well as yourself.

• Set goals and work towards achieving them.

• Dedication and committed to educational development is essential for a successful career … and Safe Shopping.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce 3rd Floor Administrative Centre Kingstown, Bay Street Tel.

456-2442 / 456-1111 Ext.

315 Fax 456-2010 Email: office.trade@gov.vc