WT/TPR/M/431  
20 February 2023 
(23-1180) Page: 1/39 
Trade Policy Review Body   
25 and 27 October 2022  
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
BARBADOS  
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez  (Mexico)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF BARBADOS  ................................ .. 4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ................  7 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  11 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF BARBADOS  AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  ..... 34 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  38 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided 
by Barbados  are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 431/Add.1  and will be available online at 
http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The fourth  Trade Policy Review of Barbados  was held on 25 and 27  October  2022. The 
Chairperson, H.E. Mr Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez  (Mexico)  welcomed the delegation of Barbados , 
headed by the Honourable Cheryl Sandra  V. Husbands , Minister of State in Foreign Trade and 
Business Development ; the rest of the delegation; and the discussant, H.E. Dr Asim Ahmed  
(Maldives).  
1.2.  The Chairperson was pleased that, in addition to physical presence, the meeting also benefited 
from the Interprefy online connection, allowing for a wider participation of the  Membership.  
1.3.  The Chairperson called Members' attention to the presence of the participants of the Advanced 
Trade Policy Course in Spanish , who were very interested in attending this review meeting.  
1.4.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of TPRs and the main elements of procedures for the 
meeting. The report by Barbados  is contained in document WT/TPR/G/ 431, and that of the WTO 
Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/ 431. 
1.5.  Questions by the following delegations were submitted in writing before the deadline: Iceland, 
United States, Singapore, Colombia, China, Canada, European  Union, Brazil, United  Kingdom, and 
Dominican  Republic .  
1.6.  The Chairperson  recall ed some elements of Barbados' previous Review in 2014 and 
developments since then, as well as by identified some key is sues ar ose from the advance written 
questions submitted by Members for this TPR.  
1.7.  At the last Review in 2014, Members had recognized the fact that Barbados ha d a narrow 
economic base, was highly reliant on imports and was susceptible to natural disasters. Members also 
had noted that Barbados was highly dependent on tourism services. These factors made Barbados' 
economy particularly vulnerable to exogenous shocks.  
1.8.  Members  had commended Barbados on its prudent macroeconomic policies, including the 
implementation of a fiscal consolidation programme, but had expressed concern regarding the 
precarious fiscal position and high debt ratio.  
1.9.  Members had praised Barbados' strong suppor t for the multilateral trading system and its 
leadership and advocacy role for small island developing states and small vulnerable economies.  
1.10.  Barbados' open economy and liberal trade regime was acknowledged. Progress with respect 
to the adoption of trade facilitation measures was highlighted but concern was expressed regarding 
the dual licensing regime for imports, the maintenance of tariff peaks, and the large number of tariff 
and fiscal concessions granted by Barbados to promote exports.  
1.11.  The Chairperson  first focused on Barbados' economic developments since its last Review. 
According to the Secretariat Report, as a small island economy, Barbados remain ed vulnerable to 
exogenous shocks. The economy was hit hard by the COVID -19 pandemic, and the contributi on from 
tourism to GDP plummeted to just 4.1% in 2020, and fell even further to 2.8% in 2021. In 2020, 
real GDP declined by 14%, and grew by just 0.7% in 2021. This came after a period of already weak 
economic performance.  
1.12.  Facing these challenges, the aut horities adopted the Barbados Economic Recovery and 
Transformation (BERT) plan, an economic reform programme, which has the objectives to restore 
fiscal and debt sustainability, rebuild reserves, and increase growth.  
1.13.  Barbados continued to be actively engag ed in the WTO during the review period. During th e 
period under review , Barbados ratified the TFA, and presented a number of notifications. Barbados 
became a Republic on 30  November  2021, the 55th anniversary of its independence.  
1.14.  The foreign investment en vironment in Barbados is very liberal. Limitations to national 
treatment appl ied only to commercial presence in telecommunication services, travel agencies and 
tour operators.  WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  1.15.  Barbados is a member of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), wh ich 
sought to implement a common external tariff (CET) since 1991. All imports from CARICOM members 
are duty -free. Preferential tariffs also appl ied to imports from the EU, the UK, and, on selected 
goods, from various Latin American countries.  
1.16.  A net food importer, together with its CARICOM partners, Barbados attempt ed to reduce its 
bill of food imports from outside CARICOM by 25% before the end of 2025. Food and nutrition 
security were the main policy objective of the agriculture sector. After sugar lost i ts dominance in 
the agriculture sector, the Government took measures to diversify the sector to "non -traditional" 
products such as vegetable and fruits, as well as herbs and spices. Although regulated prices for 
agricultural products such as chicken and tu rkey wings were abolished during the review period, a 
state trading enterprise remain ed active for the importation of poultry products and onions, with a 
view of guaranteeing affordable protein and stable food intakes to vulnerable households.  
1.17.  During the review period, the regulatory framework for financial services was overhauled. 
Offshore financial services operations were no longer regulated and supervised under a separate 
regulatory regime. All banking activities were regulated under the recently -amend ed Financial 
Institutions Act, while the Exempt Insurance Act to govern offshore insurance operation was 
repealed.  
1.18.  A survey of the advance written questions submitted for th e Review indicate d a wide range of 
topics of interest to Members regarding Barbados ' trade and investment policies. These include d 
Barbados macroeconomic policies; the impact of and Government response to COVID -19; customs 
procedures; implementation of the CARICOM CET; import licensing requirements; the government 
procurement regime; att raction of foreign investment; and food security policies. Several Members 
also inquired about steps Barbados was taking to improve its notification record at the WTO.  
1.19.  In total, Barbados received 159  advance written questions from 10  delegations for this review, 
all of which sent their questions within the deadline. Prior to th e meeting, Barbados provided written 
replies to all the questions and the Chairperson was looking forward to hearing Barbados' updates 
on these and other issues during the two -days meeting.   
1.20.  The meeting was a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of interest 
to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading syst em. It was also an opportune 
moment for Barbados to update the Membership on the impact of the pandemic on its economy, in 
particular tourism, and the responses to cope with the economic emergency. The Chairperson  looked 
forward to a fruitful discussion.  
1.21.  The Chairperson closed h is introductory remarks by wishing Barbados  a very successful fourth  
Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF BARBADOS ( HON. CHERYL 
SANDRA  V. HUSBANDS ) 
2.1.  It is my pleasure to be here today as Barbados honours its obligation to undergo this periodic 
review of its trade policies by the World Trade Organization. At the outset, permit me to express 
thanks to the officials from the WTO's Trade Policy Review Division which ha ve worked tirelessly 
with the team  in Barbados and Geneva to bring us successfully to the point which we are at here 
today.  
2.2.  It has been a long road and we met challenges along the way. Challenges which are 
synonymous with our small size, that is limited human and financial resources, confronted us on this 
journey.  
2.3.  The last seven  years brought different fortunes for countries. For Barbados, the trend which 
was emerging during the last review period continued. This trend featured diminishing international 
reserves, mounting debt and restricted fiscal policy space. Although Barbados is a small open and 
vulnerable economy, it is al so characterized as a middle -income country. As a consequence, access 
to official development assistance and loans on concessional rates is largely limited, thereby further 
constraining the ability to respond in an agile manner to threats and impacts on th e economy.  
2.4.  Within the recent past, our fortunes were changing as there was greater fiscal discipline, 
increase levels of international reserves and improvements in our credit ratings, demonstrating 
improvements in the economy. This turnaround was the resul t of the home -grown Barbados 
Economic Recovery and Transformation Programme or BERT to which it is more familiarly known.  
2.5.  BERT was developed to bring about growth and macroeconomic stability in the medium term. 
It focused on improving productivity and div ersifying the economy, as well as achieving fiscal 
consolidation and debt sustainability.  
2.6.  The COVID -19 pandemic came at a time when the prospects for increased growth were real. 
As a consequence, priority then had to be placed on ensuring the health and s afety of all persons in 
Barbados. This included increased investment in medical supplies and quarantine facilities. Business 
was impacted by internal measures which were implemented to curb the spread of the virus, as well 
as the general curtailing of the movement of persons and reduced options for international cargo. 
Given the importance of the tourism industry and related sectors in Barbados, it is clear to see that 
the economy was severely impacted. Overall services contribute approximately two -thirds o f GDP. 
The Government believes that it is past the worst as it relates to COVID -19 and the country is looking 
towards the future.  
2.7.  Over the past seven  years, the Government continued to improve the trade landscape and the 
opportunities to trade by implement ing a number of initiatives. In the area of customs 
modernization, A SYCUDA World was implemented in 2019. Barbados also transitioned to the 2017 
version of the Harmoni zed System nomenclature in 2019. In addition, a trusted traders programme 
was implemented ; strengthened verifications and audit processes were also introduced.  
2.8.  In the area of agriculture, food security remained our main  priority. To this end, a national 
agricultural policy was drafted and prescribes an overhaul of the agricultural sector, ins titutional and 
physical infrastructure enhancement, and for developing sectoral and complementary policies as 
well as capacity -building. Furthermore, in order to facilitate participation in agricultural activities, 
the Government implemented the Farmers' E mpowerment and Enfranchisement Drive or FEED 
Programme. This programme introduces the vulnerable in society to agricultural and livestock 
activities.  
2.9.  On the matter of export activity, Barbados repealed key pieces of legislation which wherein 
support was p rovided based on export performance. This included the International Business 
Companies Act, the Fiscal Incentives Act, and the Societies with Restricted Liability Act. The Export 
Credit Guarantee Scheme is also being phased out.  
2.10.  The legal framework for f inancial services was overhauled. To this end, supervisory 
frameworks for the banking and insurance sectors were created. In 2019, the amended Financial WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  Institutions Act and amended Insurance Act came into force. The International Financial Services 
Act an d the Exempt Insurance Act were also repealed.  
2.11.  Barbados, as a member State of CARICOM, recognizes that the region must be prioritized for 
both trade and functional cooperation. As lead country with  responsibility for the CSME, we have 
seen the impact of th e pandemic on the region where supplies and international transport were 
impacted. Shortages were experience and the opportunities for shipping were reduced. Food security 
was under real threat. To this end, CARICOM has been examining matters relative to i ncreasing food 
and nutritional security, improving quality and standards, private sector participation in the regional 
integration project.  
2.12.  Barbados notes the interest in the CSME based on the advanced questions which have been 
received, and particularly in the 25 by 2025 initiative, efforts to increase intra -regional trade and 
the harmonization of the Common External Tariff. I will take a few moments to share some insights 
on these areas.  
2.13.  The COVID -19 pandemic has highlighted the need to address food sec urity concerns in the 
region. Heads of Government of CARICOM have committed to reducing the region's large food import 
bill by 25% by 2025. The implementation of the CARICOM Agri -Food Systems Strategy in the 
member States is expected to help achieve this t arget, by giving special attention to priority crops 
and products such as poultry, corn, soya, meat ( goat, sheep, beef), rice , and niche vegetables.  
2.14.  Focused attention is therefore given but not limited to the following:  
• increased  production and productivity;  
• market driven production and intelligence;  
• cross border production and investments ; 
• climate smart agriculture;  
• regional food and nutrition security status ; 
• coordination and governance mechanism;  
• digitalization of the sector;  
• de-risking and financial literacy of the regional agriculture sector ;  
• SPS and trade related policies . 
2.15.  I must stress that there are no restrictions to trade included as part of the suite of measures 
proposed. Investment opportunities are available to all WTO members who are desirous of making 
a tangible contribution to the thrust to increase and innovate agricultural production in the region.  
2.16.  On the matter of increasing trade, CARICOM has been advancing work on the Protocols to be 
followed to facilitate t rade in animals and animal products. In an effort to improve transparency and 
opportunities, the CiMSuPRO or CARICOM Market Place and Suspension Procedure, a publicly 
accessible platform which will register suppliers and buyers of Caribbean Community (CARI COM) 
originating goods, has also been launched.  
2.17.  Efforts to improve intra -regional and extra -regional trade have been supported by the regional 
institutions such as the CARICOM Private Sector Organi zation, CARICOM Regional Organization for 
Standards and Qu ality (CROSQ), and the CARICOM Competition Commission among others.  
2.18.  Included in the measures to improve trade is the harmonization of the CARICOM Common 
External Tariff and the Rules of Origin. Please be reminded that this is a negotiation process. As 
such, consultations are required at the national level as well as at the  regional level among 
stakeholders. Technical analysis is also required to be undertaken. As small states with human WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  resource constraints and competing priorities, the process has taken longer than anticipated. The 
commitment remains, however, to complete the process as soon as possible.  
2.19.  Before I close, I wish to respond to two  matters which have been raised in the questions 
received from WTO Member thus far. These relate to 17 tariff lines which are above the bound rates 
and outstanding notifications. I w ill treat to the latter which is a concern for the Government. 
Barbados takes this opportunity that notwithstanding the human resource constraints, every effort 
will be made to submit the notifications as soon as possible, but in any event, we should be up  to 
date by the end of the first  quarter of 2023.  
2.20.  The matter of the 17 tariff lines has been receiving the attention of the Government since the 
matter was drawn to our attention. In the course of our review, the Government notes that each 
tariff line has transitioned to another HS number, either at the four -digit or six -digit level since 1995. 
Barbados also notes that the applied rates which are being applied are consistent with the bindings 
for these products under the original schedule of 1995 as well. The Government has therefore 
signalled  its interest in meeting with the relevant officials in the WTO in order to bring this matter 
to a favourable resolution as soon as possible.  
2.21.  Barbados is a transparent jurisdiction, and it is our intention to remain as such. Processes 
such as these are embraced notwithstanding our cap acity constraints. The Government thanks you 
for your interest in Barbados' Trade Policy Review and the delegation looks forward to the 
deliberation over the two  days.  
  WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  
3.1.  I would  like to begin by extending a warm welcome to the d elegation of Barbados, led by the 
Hon. Cheryl  Sandra  V. Husbands, Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business Development and 
to congratulate Barbados on its fourth  Trade Policy Review. I would like to thank you chair, for 
demonstrating confidence in m e to serve as a discussant for this Trade Policy Review.  
3.2.  Trade policy reviews would not be possible without the detailed work of delegations and the 
Secretariat. I would like to thank both Barbados and the Secretariat for their comprehensive Reports, 
which enabled Members to form a wider understanding of Barbados' trade and economic policies 
and provided an excellent basis for our engagement.  
3.3.  As you are all aware, Barbados is a small island developing state with a population of 
approximately 271,000 in 202 0 and a GDP per  capita of USD  16,377 in 2019, which declined because 
of the pandemic to USD  14,506 in 2020. Being a relatively small and open economy, Barbados 
greatly depends on trade and investment as vital aspects of the country's development. As a fell ow 
small island developing state , it is really a privilege for me to participate and assist in opening today's 
discussion.  
3.4.  Firstly, let me proceed by giving a general overview of the economic performance of Barbados 
during the period under review.  
3.5.  Barbado s is a country which is actively engaged in bilateral and regional trade and economic 
integration initiatives. The country has also sought to continue building on its growth and 
development path, despite the numerous challenges they have faced since the 20 08 financial crisis. 
Due to its island position and relatively small size, Barbados' economy is heavily reliant on service s 
exports, particularly tourism, as well as imports of goods. This is one of the reasons the country was 
particularly affected by the COVID -19 pandemic. Additionally, the country's economy was further 
affected by the volcanic eruption in S aint Vincent  and the Grenadines as well as two  climatic events 
in 2021. These additional economic strains contributed to further slowdown of economic 
development and increased the debt burden. Barbados has worked conscious of the fact that the 
country's growth and development is dependent on remaining open in the global community. 
International trade has been the main avenue for countering the lethargy in their economy. Despite 
this, Barbados continues to pin much of its hopes for economic revival and sustainability, especially 
through its regional trade.  
3.6.  During the review period, Barbados' economic activity remained low due to several 
simultane ous incidents. Lack of investor confidence impacted the Barbados economy heavily during 
2016 to 2017. In June  2018, Barbados' rating for foreign debt fell from investment grade to selective 
default after a series of credit rating downgrades. Furthermore, i t faced mounting debt service 
payments of USD  50 million due in June  2018, along with annual interest costs of USD  400 million. 
This naturally affected Barbados' foreign reserves and currency parity. The authorities initiated 
structural changes to restore growth and macroeconomic stability despite large current account 
deficits and mounting public debt.  
3.7.  The Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) Plan was introduced by the 
Government in 2018. This focused on improving productivity and diversify ing the economy, as well 
as achieving fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability. Barbados has also undertaken structural 
reforms to transform its state -owned enterprises (SOEs).  
3.8.  Historically, Barbados has been experiencing structural deficits in its fi scal position for more 
than two  decades. This has resulted in the accumulation of public debt and a reduced capacity of 
the Government to maintain stability in the event of exogenous shocks. In the period under review, 
the authorities reduced the deficit a nd entered a fiscal consolidation path to reduce public debt. In 
the financial year 2013/14, the fiscal deficit peaked at 10.9% of GDP, and has since declined, partly 
as a result of the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan. This also resulted  in a 
rescheduling of debt payments and in debt alleviation. The public debt to GDP ratio fell as a result, 
but rose again following the COVID -19 pandemic.  
3.9.  In the middle of March  2020, the Barbados Government encountered its first COVID -19 case. 
A 14-day m andatory quarantine for all incoming travellers was among one of the measures put in WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  place to manage the flow of travellers into Barbados. Other measures included improved screening 
at all ports of entry. Limited overseas travel often had a major negative effect on home economic 
activity, which decreased tourism and delayed investment initiatives.  
3.10.  The economy of Barbados was adversely affected by two  major lockdowns since 2020. The 
tourism sector of Barbados was greatly disrupted due to the temporary suspen sion of many 
international and regional flights. Due to the economic fallout from this virus, an approximate of 
41,000 unemployment benefit applications were filed in May  2020. It represented almost one -third 
of the workforce.  
3.11.  The COVID -19 pandemic prompt ed Barbados to develop a targeted fiscal response. 
Investments in health equipment and quarantine facilities were followed by welfare payments in 
early 2020. Barbados Optional Saving Scheme (BOSS) was implemented to mitigate much of the 
economic dislocatio n leading to retrenchments in the public and private sectors. Through this scheme 
people were offered a four -year saving bond with an interest rate of 5% per  year. Additionally, 
COVID -19 relief jobs were rolled out, and targeted cash transfers were provide d to small businesses 
and vendors affected by the second lockdown. These programmes and schemes enabled the creation 
of jobs and the acceleration of economic growth. Barbados Employment and Sustainable 
Transformation Programme (BEST) was also launched in O ctober  2020 in order to re -engage tourism 
workers.  
3.12.  I will now provide a brief overview of trade and investment regimes as outlined in the two 
Reports.   
3.13.  Since Barbados became a republic in 2021, its overall framework for determining economic 
and trade polic y has not been impacted. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade represents 
the Government on matters of trade policy, negotiates trade agreements and coordinates their 
implementation, and represents Barbados at the World Trade Organi zation and o ther international 
and regional for a. Additionally, the BERT Plan provides guidance for the country's economic policies. 
The country's trade policy objective is to promote and facilitate international trade, especially 
exports, and to position itself strat egically in the new liberali zed global trade arena to benefit from 
the maximum amount of trade. As a founding member, the Barbados Government considers its 
participation in CARICOM, along with bilateral trade agreements concluded within the framework of 
the CARICOM and the CARIFORUM, to be of utmost importance.  
3.14.  As a member of the Caribbean Community and Common Market, Barbados along with other 
members have sought to implement a common external tariff (CET) since 1991. However, as at 
June 2022 tariff schedules across countries still differed considerably, both due to the exceptions 
allowed and to mechanisms permitting the suspension of the application of the CET under certain 
circumstances. During the period under review, Barbados has not been able to harmoni ze tariff with 
its fellow CARICOM members. The overall level of tariffs in Barbados remains relatively high. While 
tariffs serve as a source of revenue, they also hinder productivity growth and result in higher living 
costs. Furthermore, the y may also hinder the efficient allocation of resources and the integration of 
Barbados into global value chains. However, it is unclear through the Reports whether tariff 
concessions reduce these effects.  
3.15.  Barbados also has five  bilateral agreements with c ountries of this hemisphere under the rubric 
of CARICOM. CARICOM signed its first agreement with the Bolivarian  Republic of Venezuela in 1992 
and it is a one -way trade agreement in CARICOM's favour. The second Agreement, the 
CARICOM -Colombia Trade, Economi c and Technical Cooperation Agreement was signed as a 
one-way Agreement in 1994 and amended to allow for reciprocal trade in 1998. The third agreement 
signed by CARICOM was the CARICOM -Dominican  Republic Free Trade Agreement which was signed 
in 1998. CARIC OM signed the CARICOM Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement with Cuba 
in 2000 and the final Agreement signed was the CARICOM Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement which 
was signed in 2004. The Barbados Government ratified these agreements in April  2006 and ha s 
worked with CARICOM members to further liberali zation.  
3.16.  Barbados and CARIFORUM countries have negotiated with the European  Union in 2000 
allowing for a new reciprocal trade agreement which replaced the trade provisions of the 
Cotonou  Agreement. In essence , this agreement provides for free trade in both goods and services, 
with CARIFORUM countries having 25  years to liberalize their imports, while all CARIFORUM exports WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  are given duty -free, quota -free access to the European  Union markets. In addition to deve lopment 
cooperation, financial and technical assistance are provided. A review of this Economic Partnership 
Agreement (EPA) has been conducted once and a second review is being conducted. The first review 
indicated that most CARIFORUM States had performed poorly in their trade with the EU due to the 
financial and economic crisis of 2008. Barbados' performance was no different from many of its 
CARIFORUM partners and has been poor due to its export performances. Alongside these 
agreements the Barbados also pl aces a high value on the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) 
programme enacted by the United  States. This programme enables Barbados to increase its exports 
and bolster foreign export earnings.  
3.17.  The overall policy of Barbados when it comes to foreign investmen t is offering a favourable 
business environment. In general, foreign investors receive national level treatment as there is no 
specific legislation regarding foreign investment in Barbados. No specific legal references are made 
with respect to any foreign investment restrictions, except those made in the context of the 
CARIFORUM -EU EPA and the CARICOM -UK EPA. Barbados generally allows 100% foreign ownership. 
There are, however, a few restrictions on foreign investment. The Government owns water and 
postal s ervices. Travel agencies and tour operators must be CARICOM -based. Licences are required 
for private investment in broadcasting, banking, and insurance. Bilateral investment treaties (BITs) 
with the United  Kingdom, the Bolivarian  Republic of Venezuela, Ger many, Switzerland, Italy, 
Canada, Cuba, China, and Mauritius were in place as at June  2022. Barbados also concluded 
investment treaties with Ghana in 2008 and Belgium -Luxembourg in 2009, which, however, were 
still not ratified as at June  2022.  
3.18.  While Barbad os is not party to the WTO plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement, 
new legislation on public procurement was adopted in 2021, but it was not effective as at July  2022 
since implementing regulations were still under preparation. The Reports also show that no major 
changes have taken place in the legal system for the protection of intellectual property rights since 
Barbados' last Review. The legislation on copyrights and geographical indications is currently 
undergoing a review.  
3.19.  Based on the Reports the three main sectors contributing to the economy of Barbados are the 
agricultural and fisheries sector, manufacturing sector and the services sector which includes 
tourism. While all three sectors have had advancements, all have been equally affec ted by the 
pandemic. In Barbados, agriculture remains one of the most crucial sectors, both as a source of food 
and nutrition security as well as a source of employment for many households. However, this sector 
also faces many long -standing  challenges such  as praedial larceny, competition for resources and 
limited land space , and an ageing demographic. The Government has taken a proactive lead in 
reducing the number of encumbrances to doing business in Barbados. There are a number of 
initiatives which have either been implemented or are set to be undertaken by the Ministry with an 
aim at either establishing better avenues for agriculture practices or improving upon existing ones 
such as the Farmers' Empowerment and Enfranchisement Drive (FEED) programme.  
3.20.  It should be noted that, unlike the agricultural sector, the fishing industry contributes a small 
amount to the country's GDP. However, it plays a significant role both economically and socially. 
There are many types of small businesses involved in fisheries,  fish processing, retailing and 
wholesaling, and fish exporting and distributing. In addition to contributing to local food security, 
the industry also provides a means of earning vital foreign exchange through fish exports. A new 
Fisheries Management Regu lation is being drafted to protect endangered aquatic animals, such as 
marine mammals and sea turtles, as well as trade -related issues and to ensure Barbadian fisheries 
exports are accessible to foreign markets.  
3.21.  During the period under review, the Government of Barbados was also active in the 
amendment and repealing of certain pieces of legislation which were deemed non -compliant with 
Barbados' commitments under the W TO. In this regard, the Parliament repealed the Fiscal Incentives 
Act, as it contai ned provisions relating to prohibited export subsidies and provisions on local content 
requirement which ran counter to the country's obligations as contained within the WTO Agreement. 
This Act was repealed in 2019. Since the repeal , the Government has bee n working towards the 
development of a new legislative policy to govern the industrial sector. The Government has also 
been working towards reducing the number of encumbrances to doing business in Barbados.  
3.22.  Lastly, one area that the Government of Barbados  has been working on is rebuilding the 
tourism sector. They have employed several measures to mitigate the impact of the COVID -19 WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  pandemic on the industry. Through the Barbados Employment and Sustainable Transformation 
(BEST) Plan, BBD  300 million has been  pledged to invest in qualified companies through grants and 
preference shares to fund the training and re -engagement of workers, to implement technologies 
that bring about greater efficiencies and to enable companies to survive. Furthermore, under the 
National Training Initiative (NTI), efforts were made to skill, upskill and reskill the direct and indirect 
tourism and hospitality frontline workforce, during the closure of the industry to meet the demands 
of a transformed sector for the reopening of the to urism industry. The tourism industry is recognized 
as vital to the economic socio -economic development of Barbados. For the expansion and growth of 
the industry post -COVID, new initiatives and proposed measures to grow and sustain the tourism 
industry are crucial.  
3.23.  Finally, let me conclude by summari zing the way forward highlighted by Barbados  
3.24.  During the review period it can be noted that Barbados' GDP performance was modest. 
Barbados has also continued to actively participate in the WTO. Barbados, as a smal l open economy, 
is well aware that trade and investment are vital aspects of its economic development and has been 
making strides towards improving its economy. Policies outlined by Barbados have a stronger focus 
on continued reforms and digitization trans formation to be pursued. Barbados has also mentioned 
its intent to leverage technology to transform Barbados into a smart nation and a full -fledged 
innovative economy. I believe that such transformations are important to achieving growth as a 
nation, and t hat these initiatives of the Government of Barbados have potential to attract more 
economical growth.  
3.25.  I would also like to take the opportunity to thank both the Chair and the State party for your 
confidence in me to participate as a discussant in today's discussions. Additionally, I would like to 
express my appreciation to the Government of Barbados for the good work they have done during 
the period under review and the significant progress they have made. In spite of the fact that the 
economy has been thr eatened by the C OVID -19 pandemic, it has shown resilience, which points to 
a positive outlook for its recovery after the pandemic. Therefore, I encourage Barbados to continue 
to work closely with the international community in order to address the issues highlighted. This will  
enable us all to recover from this crisis together as quickly as possible. Looking at the questions 
submitted by Members, it is evident that there is interest amongst delegations in engaging with 
Barbados' TPR.  
3.26.  Thank you for listening and I look forward to a fruitful discussion at today's review.  
  WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
UNITED  STATES  
4.1.  The United  States welcomes the distinguished delegation from Barbados and compliments the 
Government of Barbados on completing its fourth  Trade Policy Review.  
4.2.  Barbados is an important partner of the United  States and our commercial relationship 
continues to grow. The United  States is Barbados ' top trading partner and two -way trade in goods 
reached USD 798 million in 2021, an increase of 44% over 2020. We have worked with Barba dos to 
deepen our commercial relationship, including under the US -CARICOM Trade and Investment 
Agreement.  
4.3.  Barbados is a beneficiary of US trade preference programs known collectively as the Caribbean 
Basin Initiative (CBI), which aims to facilitate the eco nomic development and diversification of the 
Caribbean Basin economies by providing countries with duty -free access to the US market for most 
goods. As noted in the Government Report, an average of 60% of Barbados ' exports to the 
United  States enter under CBI. 
4.4.  The United  States recognizes the progress that Barbados has made since its last TPR. Since 
the last Review, Barbados has made structural changes to improve productivity and diversify its 
economy, as noted in the Secretariat and Government reports. The  COVID -19 pandemic significantly 
affected the country 's economy and Barbados has taken policy actions in response. After falling 
in 2020, real GDP rebounded in 2021, growing 7% over the previous year.  
4.5.  We also want to acknowledge Barbados ' ambitious goals t o improve its business climate 
through the Medium -term Growth and Development Strategy 2013 -2020, and significant economic 
reforms through the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation P lan (BERT), supported by 
the IMF. Barbados has also set out a commendable target to be the first 100% green and fossil fuel 
free island -state in the world by 2030. We are rooting for you to attain that objective.  
4.6.  We applaud the ratification by Barbados of th e Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA) in 
January  2018, recognize Barbados ' TFA notifications, and encourage Barbados ' active participation 
in the Trade Facilitation Committee. We also strongly encourage Barbados to fully implement all of 
its TFA commitme nts. 
4.7.  We applaud Barbados ' efforts outlined in the Secretariat and Government Reports to streamline 
customs procedures, including the transition to the UNCTAD Automated System for Customs Data 
and the launch of a trusted trader program me. Simplified and exp edited customs procedures are 
important to strengthening international trade.  
4.8.  As noted in the Secretariat Report, there were no major changes in Barbados ' legal system for 
the protection of intellectual property rights (IP) during the review period. Howeve r, we recognize 
steps taken by Barbados to review its legislation for compatibility with international copyright treaties 
and encourage Barbados to ensure compatibility. We continue to have concerns in the area of IP 
protection and enforcement, including w ith respect to the unauthorized retransmission of US 
broadcasts and cable programming, and look forward to working with Barbados to address these 
concerns.  
4.9.  The Secretariat Report notes that numerous WTO notifications remain outstanding, including 
in the ar eas of domestic support and export subsidies in agriculture, TRIMs measures, replies to the 
questionnaire on import licensing procedures, quantitative restrictions, national legislation and the 
checklist of issues on customs valuation, pre -shipment inspect ion measures, and state trading 
enterprises. We encourage Barbados to promptly submit these overdue notifications.  
4.10.  We invite Barbados to partner with us and other Members in an initiative to strengthen WTO 
capacity -building efforts to support Members in su bmitting timely and complete notifications. The 
United  States is interested in developing more targeted technical assistance aimed at strengthening 
internal coordination mechanisms to improve transparency. Barbados would provide valuable 
perspectives and i nput on needed areas of training, tools, and resources to build notification 
capabilities Notifications provide transparency and predictability for traders, helping them make WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  more informed decisions on where they do business. They also help businesses make  plans, mitigate 
risks, and follow through on their commitments to customers and suppliers, and so we see some 
synergy between this initiative and your domestic focus on institutional reform as set out in your 
economic reform program me with the IMF.  
4.11.  We en thusiastically agree with Barbados ' statement in its Government Report: "international 
trade is the main avenue for countering sluggishness in the economy ". We also support Barbados ' 
efforts to create a stronger business environment to foster economic grow th and innovation. We 
stand as a steady partner , prepared to work with your delegation to inject meaningful work across 
the WTO committee structure to accomplish  this. We want to thank your delegation for responding 
to our advance written  questions, we wil l carefully review the responses as part of this review. We 
commend Barbados for its commitment to the TPR process and look forward to continued 
engagement to strengthen our economic relationship.  
SINGAPORE  
4.12.  Let me begin by extending a very warm welcome to Minister of State in Foreign Trade and 
Business Development , the Hon.  Cheryl  V. Husbands, and the delegation from Barbados. Singapore 
would like to thank Barbados for its comprehensive Government Report and statement. I also thank 
the Chair , Ambassador Ángel Villalobos and discussant Ambassador Asim  Ahmed for their valuable 
insights, and the Secretariat for its detailed Report. Let me share three observations.  
4.13.  First, Barbados and Singapore are both small, open economies that rely heavily on trad e and 
services. Services account for over two  thirds of our GDP, and we have pursued open trade regimes 
to drive economic growth and development. We commend Barbados ' continued efforts to reforms to 
its regulatory trading regime and streamline and facilita te international trade through the 
introduction of technology. The project agreement between Barbados and UNCTAD to implement a 
National Electronic Single Window and transition 28  government agencies to an electronic paperless 
processing environment will p romote transparency and expedite trade procedures. Similarly, 
Singapore has a Networked Trade Platform which is a one -stop trade and logistics mechanism that 
connects players across the trade value chain in Singapore and globally. As we pursue digitali zation 
to improve trade facilitation, there is potential for us to further strengthen our trade and economic 
ties. In 2021, Barbados was Singapore 's 17th largest trading partner in Latin  America and the 
Caribbean. Bilateral trade amounted to USD  19.73  million in 2021, representing a 10% growth 
from 2020. We hope to work more closely with Barbados in the digital economy space to boost our 
trade, and strongly encourage Barbados to participate in the JSI on E -commerce.  
4.14.  Second, as fellow small island states, clima te change is an existential issue for Barbados and 
Singapore. Barbados ' agriculture sector has faced significant challenges due to drought conditions 
that reduced overall crop production by 4% in 2016 to 2017. In this context, we commend Barbados ' 
National  Energy Policy and its ambitious target to become the world 's first 100% green energy and 
carbon neutral island -state by 2030. For Singapore, rising sea levels pose a serious threat to our 
survival as 30% of our island lies less than 5  metres above sea -level. Hence, we have developed the 
Singapore Green Plan 2030, which inter alia, targets to quadruple solar energy deployment, and 
plant 1 million more trees by 2030. We are encouraged to see that Barbados has taken concrete 
actions to meet its goals through the provision of fiscal incentives on electric and hybrid vehicles, 
including the reduction of import duties on battery, fuel cell, and solar -powered vehicles. Barbados 
has set a good example and we look forward to seeing further advancements in th e coming years.  
4.15.  Third, we welcome Barbados ' commitment to the rules -based multilateral trading system as 
a founding Member of the WTO. Barbados participates actively in the WTO as a Member of the ACP 
Group and is a co -convenor of the Informal Dialogue on Plastics, which will contribute to efforts to 
reduce plastics pollution, and promote environmentally sustainable trade in plastics. We encourage 
Barbados to broaden its participation to other important WTO  Agreements such as the Government 
Procurement Agre ement, and to join the various JSIs. We also urge Barbados to strengthen 
transparency at the WTO by fulfilling its notification obligations, particularly on domestic support 
and agriculture.  
4.16.  In closing, Singapore looks forward to working closely with the Permanent Mission of Barbados 
in Geneva to further strengthen the WTO. I wish Barbados every success for its fourth  TPR.  WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  COLOMBIA  
4.17.  We warmly welcome the delegation of Barbados, led by the Minister of State in Foreign Trade 
and Business Development, the  Honourable Ms  Cheryl  Sandra  V. Husbands, Senator 
Jerome  Walcott, and its entire team from the capital and in Geneva.  
4.18.  We appreciate the analysis and feedback provided by the discussant, Ambassador 
Asim Ahmed. The elements presented have made an important contribution to enriching this 
discussion. We also recognize the hard work of the Secretariat and the Barbadian authorities in the 
preparation of the Reports.  
4.19.  Colombia and Barbados share several regional and multilateral for a. Thanks to them we have 
a dyna mic and complementary relationship that extends beyond what is strictly related to trade.  
4.20.  At the bilateral and regional level, together with 12  CARICOM members, including Barbados, 
we have had a Partial Scope Agreement on Trade and Economic and Technical C ooperation since the 
mid-1990s.  
4.21.  It is an agreement that seeks to strengthen economic, trade and cooperation relations 
between the parties, through the promotion and expansion of trade in goods and the development 
of technical and scientific cooperation activities.  
4.22.  In this regard, this Agreement has led to important vibrant bilateral trade and investment 
flow relations, as well as encouraging cooperation between the countries and cultural affairs.  
4.23.  Barbados is an economy with potential in speci fic sectors in the area of goods as well as in 
the tourism sector. It was, of course, no exception in terms of the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.24.  However, structural changes have been put in place to restore growth and macroeconomic 
stability in the med ium term, through the so -called Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation 
Plan. Some of its objectives are geared towards improving productivity and diversifying the 
economy, elements that we share as industrial and trade policy objectives.  
4.25.  In terms of  the bilateral relationship, although trade is relatively low (around USD  7 million 
on average over the last three  years), it has been recovering and, most importantly, it is a trade 
flow of value -added goods.  
4.26.  Investment flows also play an important role, with cumulative bilateral investment close to 
USD 4 billion since 1994.  
4.27.  In terms of tourism, although numbers are down, we recognize that it is a sector with 
significant potential for the development of our countries and there might be areas where we could  
work together.  
4.28.  In this TPR, Colombia's attention has been drawn to information received on some measures 
related to trade facilitation. I refer in particular to the fact that in its Economic Recovery and 
Transformation Plan, the Trusted Traders Programme  was promoted with the goal of making cargo 
clearances quicker and easier.  
4.29.  We were also interested to know whether the Trusted Trader Programme granted to 
importers, which we understand has the scope of the Authorized Operators Programme provided for 
in the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, will be extended to other operators in the chain such as 
exporters or customs agencies, or whether there are plans to have mutual recognition agreements 
in the future in order to extend the prerogatives granted to impor ters that are part of the 
programme.  
4.30.  Furthermore, and turning to tariff issues, the Report states that Barbados offers a wide range 
of tariff and tax concessions to importers. It would be interesting to have more information on these 
concessions, and on th e procedures and requirements for importers to access them.  WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  4.31.  Lastly, and referring to sectoral trade policies, in particular agriculture, the Report notes 
measures concerning food security and that under the Agricultural Incentives Programme a number 
of inc entives are offered to farmers and agricultural organizations. Colombia would be grateful if 
Barbados could share information on the scope of these policies.  
4.32.  I would like to end by expressing appreciation for Barbados' commitment to the multilateral 
tradin g system and its founding principles. At the bilateral level, our diplomatic, trade and 
cooperation ties have become progressively stronger .  
4.33.  I therefore wish Barbados and its delegation a successful conclusion of its Trade Policy Review 
process and thank the Secretariat and the Barbadian authorities for preparing the Reports presented 
on this occasion . 
CHINA  
4.34.  First of all, I would like to extend my warm welcome to the delegation of Barbados led by 
H.E. the Honourable  Cheryl  Sandra  V. Husbands , Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business 
Development , and appreciate the Government of Barbados for the preparation for this review. I 
would also like to express my gratitude to the discussant, H .E. Ambassador Dr  Asim Ahmed  for his 
insightful remark s. Let me also thank the Secretariat for their hard work.  
4.35.  China commends Barbados ' remarkable efforts in implementing its social economic strategy 
since the last Review in 2015. These efforts include improving productivity and diversifying the 
economy, ach ieving fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability, achieving a fossil -fuel-free economy, 
supporting the multilateral trading system, as well as effectively participating in regional integration 
processes.  
4.36.  In particular, China is pleased to note that "openness " has always been one of Barbad os basic 
features and policies. As stressed in the Secretariat Report, Barbados ' trade policy objectives are to 
promote and facilitate international trade. Critical national strategies of Barbados, including the 
Medium -term Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) and the Barbados Economic Recovery and 
Transformation Plan  (BERT) , also recognize the importance of trade liberalization.  
4.37.  As an open economy, the average GDP per  capita of Barbados during the past 10 years 
reach es over USD 15,000 according to the World  Bank statistics, maintaining a relatively high level 
in the region. However, the economic growth of Barbados was strongly affected by external 
challenges including the COVID -19 pandemic and the eruption of the volc ano on the nearby island. 
In 2020, the real GDP declined by 14%. With Barbados ' various development policies to respond to 
the pandemic, its economy achieved a moderate growth with a year -on-year increase of 0.7% 
in 2021. China sincerely hopes that Barbado s will achieve a strong economic rebound.  
4.38.  On the multilateral front, China appreciates Barbados ' continued support to the rules -based 
multilateral trading system. H.E.  Ms Mia Amor  Mottley , the Prime Minister of Barbados, registered 
her support for this Organization not only by being the first guest speaker in WTO Presidential Lecture 
Series, but also by highlighting the importance of international trade and "a new generation WTO " 
in her sp eech.  
4.39.  China also commends Barbados ' active and constructive participation in the WTO work in 
numerous areas and its great contribution to the success of the WTO MC12, especially as the current 
coordinator of the CARICOM group, and a key member of ACP and SVE groups. Moreover, China 
welcomes Barbados ' acceptance of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and encourages its 
broader implementation of this important Agreement. China looks forward to deeper and closer 
cooperation with Barbados in upholding the m ultilateral trading system.  
4.40.  This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between 
China and Barbados. On the economic and trade side, China and Barbados have enjoyed a sound 
cooperative relation. According to statistics on the Chinese side, the bilateral trade volume reach ed 
around USD 254 million in 2021 with an increase of 169.5% year on year. It has largely exceeded 
the pre -pandemic levels. Furthermore, as the Ambassador of Barbados to China pointed out, the 
Belt and Road Initiative and the China International Import Exp o have helped more products and 
services from Barbados enter into the Chinese market, and he expected closer cooperation between WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  our two nations. China is also willing to work with Barbados to promote our bilateral economic and 
trade cooperation to a new l evel. 
4.41.  The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China successfully held last week in 
Beijing , President Xi  Jinping made it clear at the Congress that China is committed to upholding true 
multilater alism, promoting high -level opening -up, and stri ving to create new opportunities for the 
world with its own development and to contribute its share to building an open global economy that 
delivers greater benefits to all. We will further boost our close cooperation with other WTO Members 
including Barba dos and working together , bilaterally and multilaterally , in all areas in a common 
endeavour  to strengthen the multilateral trading system and build an open global economy.  
4.42.  For this review, China has submitted questions to Barbados. We appreciate the timel y replies,  
and we will carefully study them.  
4.43.  To conclude, I would like to wish this TPR of Barbados a complete success.  
CANADA  
4.44.  Thank you Chair  and thank you to Ambassador Ahmed for serving as discussant. A would like 
to extend very warm welcome to Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business Development , the 
Honourable  Cheryl  Sandra  V. Husbands , and the entire delegation from Barbados. I would also like 
to extend my thanks to the Government of Barbados and to the WTO Secretariat for the Reports.  
4.45.  I want to begin by highlighting several of the positive and proactive reforms that Barbados 
has undergone in recent years. But before I do so, I believ e it is important to also underscore the 
context within which these initiatives have been pursued.  
4.46.  The last several years have seen an onslaught of exogenous stressors – a global pandemic, 
climate events, fractured and disrupted supply chains – the list i s long and the ramifications on any 
economy, quite real. The Government and people of Barbados have demonstrated a level of fortitude 
commitment and leadership that deserves recognition.  
4.47.  In the midst of these  challenges and these  challenging circumstances , Barbados has for 
example:  
• overhauled its customs legislation and administration;  
• updated its legal framework for financial services to improve the regulation and 
supervision of the financial system; and  
• set in motion a series of new initiatives to impr ove the procedures and systems governing 
the movement of goods. We are particularly pleased to see the implementation of a 
National Electronic Single Window, which we see as having great potential to cut 
inefficiencies and increase trade.  
4.48.  The ratification  and implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, support for the 
joint statement initiatives on investment facilitation and e -commerce, and hosting the 15th UNCTAD 
Conference in October  2021 – these are all clear demonstrations of the continued  commitment that 
Barbados has to rules -based trade and towards multilateralism.  
4.49.  Canada also welcomes Barbados ' support for the full implementation of the Buenos  Aires 
Declaration on Women 's Economic Empowerment, and more recently, the Ministerial Declarat ion on 
the Advancement of Gender Equality and Women 's Economic Empowerment within Trade. Let 's keep 
going!   
4.50.  We would welcome Barbados to participate in the Trade and Environmental Sustainability 
Structured Discussions; to join the joint statement initiativ es on electronic commerce, on MSMEs 
and on services domestic regulation; and to participate actively in the implementation of the second 
phase of the Buenos  Aires Declaration.  WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  4.51.  Canada also acknowledges Barbados ' leadership role in promoting trade and integration within 
the CARICOM region. We encourage Barbados to use its leadership position to advance the CARICOM 
agenda, including – as noted in Reports – to address issues of tariff harmonization across member 
countries.  
4.52.  Despite the promising initiatives and real progress, Barbados still presents some challenges 
for companies wishing to do business in the country. We strongly support Barbados ' reforms to 
reduce the cost of doing business and streamline administrati ve processes to encourage trade and 
foreign investment.  
4.53.  We call on Barbados to address, as soon as possible, its outstanding WTO notifications, 
including with respect to agriculture, state -trading enterprises, quantitative restrictions, and import 
licensi ng and to seek technical assistance if necessary to do so.  
4.54.  In addition, Canada continues to offer tariff -free access on most goods and services to 
Barbados and other members of the Commonwealth Caribbean through CARIBCAN. We encourage 
Barbados to make ful l use of this preferential bilateral arrangement and look forward to continuing 
to work with Barbados to deepen our trade and investment ties.  
4.55.  Canada will continue to work with Barbados to advance our shared interests in areas such as 
WTO reform ; fisheries  subsidies negotiations ; trade and environment ; and the plurilateral initiatives.  
4.56.  We have submitted questions on some of the themes I have touched on, and other issues. 
We thank Barbados for its responses, which we will carefully review. We look forward to  a 
constructive exchange of views on all aspects of Barbados ' trade policy  today and into the future . 
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.57.  On behalf of the EU, I would like to welcome the delegation of Barbados, led by the Hon ourable  
Cheryl Sandra  V. Husbands, Minister of State  in Foreign Trade and Business Development, and 
extend my gratitude to the discussant, Ambassador H.E.  Dr Asim Ahmed (Maldives) for his remarks.  
4.58.  The EU commends the efforts undertaken by Barbados to restore growth and to stabilize its 
economy since the pr evious Trade Policy Review in 2015. The Barbados Economic Recovery and 
Transformation (BERT) Plan focuses on improving productivity and diversifying the economy, as well 
as achieving fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability. Barbados' average annual ra te of real GDP 
growth in the 2014 - 2019 period was quite moderate due to the socio -economic impact of the 
COVID -19 pandemic and decline in tourism. However, since 2021 the GDP is growing with a gradual 
return of tourism.  
4.59.  Barbados is highly vulnerable to e xternal shocks due to limited economic diversification, and 
high reliance on imports of goods. This vulnerability has shown in the economic hardship provoked 
by both natural disasters, such as the ash falls from the La  Soufri ère volcano eruption in 2021, a s 
well as global events such as the COVID -19 pandemic or the recent price hikes resulting from the 
Russian  Federation  invasion of Ukraine. We welcome Barbados ' firm position at the UN  General 
Assembly condemning strongly Russia n Federation' s brutal aggression in Ukraine.  
4.60.  Barbados is an active participant in the work of the WTO and is committed to the multilateral 
trading system. The EU welcomes Barbados implementation of commitments under the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement and appreciates it is taking part in the Investment Facilitation for 
Development discussions. Barbados is one of the founding Members of the Dialogue on Plastics 
Pollution and Environmentally Sustainable Plastics Trade and we encourage Barbados to join and 
engage in the Trade and Envi ronmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD) and the Fossil 
Fuel Subsidy Reform.  
4.61.  EU and Barbados have strong trade relationship anchored in the Economic Partnership 
Agreement applied for the last 14  years. This is a trade and development agreem ent offering 
duty-free-quota free access to the EU markets for CARIFORUM. The agreement has a strong regional 
dimension and in addition to trade in goods, it covers also trade in services and investments and 
provisions on trade -related issues (including co mpetition, innovation and intellectual property, GIs, WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  transparency in public procurement and trade and sustainable development). We would encourage 
Barbados to implement the full comprehensive scope of this agreement.  
4.62.  In particular, we would like to see progress on a timely implementation of the full range of 
tariff reductions, giving effect to the regional preferences, improving transparency over the applied 
preferential rates and to upgrade its applied HS nomenclature to the HS22 version.  
4.63.  In the cur rent turbulent times, investment climate, trade openness and solid business links 
have proven to be crucial for economic recovery and a sound economic performance.  
4.64.  The regional dimension is very important under this agreement and we would like to 
congratul ate you on your role to foster regional trade in the Caribbean. Regional integration and 
sustainable growth would play an important role in attracting investors.  
4.65.  Barbados is also a strong supporter of climate -related action and we appreciate Barbados ' 
objective to achieve a fossil -fuel-free economy and to strongly reduce greenhouse gas emissions 
by 2030.  
4.66.  We also applaud Barbados continued work to achieve a CARICOM Single Market and Economy 
(CSME), as well as Barbados ' focus on digital transformation - the National Electronic Single Window 
about to be implemented is one notable example of those efforts. The EU stands ready to assist 
Barbados in these endeavours. We welcome Barbados recent efforts to facilitate investments in 
renewable energies and digital t echnologies and to further promote green economy, especially in 
the tourism sector.  
4.67.  In its advance written questions, the EU has raised some issues, notably on prospect of 
acceding to international treaties in the area of intellectual property rights, new  legislation on 
manufacturing, changes and timing about tariffs, and on CARICOM as well as CARIFORUM. There is 
also a need for further clarification of Barbados ' dual-licensing regime for imports as well as current 
and future procedures related to the impo rtation of dairy and meat products, notably in view of the 
on-going reform and harmonization of the SPS legislation in Barbados. We also encourage Barbados 
to make progress in the area of intellectual property rights, which can bring more business certaint y 
and confidence to Barbados as a business -friendly partner.  
4.68.  The EU acknowledges the difficult circumstances, which have affected Barbados since the 
previous Review, and congratulates Barbados in the commitment and progress to ensure economic 
recovery. We wish Barbados a successful fourth review.  
BRAZIL  
4.69.  Brazil would like to thank the Government of Barbados  for engaging in its fourth Trade Polic y 
Review and providing Members with an overview of the country's economic performance, trade 
policies , and adher ence to the multilateral trading system . 
4.70.  We would like to welcome the delegation from Barbados, headed by the Honourable 
Cheryl  Sandra  V. Husbands , Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business Development , and 
extend greetings to its representatives in Geneva led by the  H.E. Mr Ricardo  Kellman.  We would also 
like to express our appreciation to the WTO Secretariat for its comprehensive Report as well as to 
you Chair and the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Dr  Asim Ahmed  for his contribution to a successful 
trade monitoring exercise . 
4.71.  Since its previous Review in 2014 , Barbados has been facing severe constraints to economic 
growth, in addition to the challenges derived from the 2008 financial crisis, the country had to cope 
with the effects of the pandemic and of  the climate crisis . For a country that relies on tourism as an 
important source of revenue, this represented a setback in its effort to p ursue  financial stability . 
Barbados  experienced a  decline of 14% of real GDP in 2020, the reduced growth rate of 0.7% 
in 2021, along with public debt level of 125% of GDP in 2018 -2019.  
4.72.  Brazil acknowledges that facing such a challenging scenario, Barbados took action by seeking 
financial assistance from international institutions.  Brazil also  recognize s the efforts made by  
Barbados to keep foreign trade open and to avoid unnecessary barriers . WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  4.73.  Brazil  and Barbados have a long -standing bilateral relationship, the country celebrated  
50 years of diplomatic relations in 2021, the Embassy of Brazil in Bri dgetown  was established in  1986 
and due to the central location and infrastructure conditions it was chosen to house the 
representation of  Brazil to five additional countries in the region . The Embassy of Barbados in Brasilia 
was established in 2010 and has contr ibuted to the evolution of cooperation between both countries.  
4.74.  The value of bilateral trade has oscillated during the period under review, with a decrease of 
up from almost USD 26 million in 2016 to USD 12.5 million  in 2017 , and recent ly increase to almost  
USD 21 million in 2021 . Brazil exports mainly oil fuels and lumber, and imports  plastics and r aw 
minerals . Brazil believes that there is room for improvement in bilateral trade and expects to deepen 
the commercial relationship with Barbados : 
4.75.  Regard ing investments, we have noted a sharp decrease in the volume  of foreign investment 
from Barbados into Brazil, from  USD 503 million in 2013 to USD 11 million in 2020.  
4.76.  In the WTO, Brazil congratulates Barbados for participating in the Joint Statement Initiative 
on Investment Facilitation for Development and expects to continue engaging with the country in 
that forum . 
4.77.  Finally, on possible improvements, Brazil would appreciate that Barbados ensures that current 
agricultural policies in the CARICOM region are fully compliant with the WTO rules, especially the 
25 by 2025 initiative . 
4.78.  Brazil would also appreciate more transparency from Barbados regarding its policies and 
measures in domestic support for agriculture . We appreciate the timely reply to our questi ons which 
we will analyse  internally.  
4.79.  We wish Barbados a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
UNITED  KINGDOM  
4.80.  Let me welcome the Barbados delegation, led by H .E. the Honourable Cheryl  Sandra  V. 
Husbands  and her team form Bridgetown to their fourth  Trade Pol icy Review. We are grateful to the 
Government of Barbados and to the WTO Secretariat for their Reports, and to distinguished Chair 
and discussant, the Ambassador of Maldives, for kindly facilitating this Review with their insights.  
4.81.  Barbados ' Trade Policy Review Report and its own policy statement describe a relatively small 
and open economy, vulnerable to exogenous shocks and facing economic challenges with a large 
current account deficit and public debt, but committed to an open trade policy as a key plan k of its 
economic strategy. We commend Barbados ' commitment to trade as a driver for growth. In our 
advance written questions, the UK was keen to understand developments in areas including customs 
administration, tariffs, intellectual property, the harmoni zation of standards, and the manufacturing 
sector. We thank Barbados for their helpful responses.  
4.82.  The dramatic effects of climate change, and damage wrought by the COVID -19 pandemic, are 
recurrent features in TPRs at the moment. We are particularly cognisant of the disproportionate 
impact felt by small island developing states and other small and vulnerable economies. Let me pay 
tribute to Barbados for its efforts to champ ion these perspectives at the WTO, as they have done so 
effectively elsewhere, including in the Commonwealth and at COP26 in Glasgow.  
4.83.  Turning to Barbados ' trade profile, the UK agrees wholeheartedly with the Government 's own 
assessment that growth and development are predicated on openness to the global community, in 
which free trade plays an integral part. We were pleased to note Barbados ' commitments in i ts policy 
statement to liberali zed international trade and its aversion to trade barriers, despite the additional 
economic stresses caused by a global pandemic, a volcanic eruption, and two  significant climatic 
events in 2021.  
4.84.  Additionally, prudent fiscal  solutions implemented since 2018 (such as the BERT Plan) have 
demonstrated the effectiveness of responses by the Barbadian Government. The fall in Barbados ' 
current account deficit from 9.2% of GDP in 2014 to 2.8% in 2019 illustrates the impressive 
effect iveness of Barbados ' fiscal consolidation path response.  WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  4.85.  We also note the concerted strategic efforts made by Barbados to increase linkages with 
African continental markets and the Middle  East. These demonstrate Barbados ' commitment to 
diversifying its eco nomy and to targeting opportunities for export -driven growth.  
4.86.  The threat of climate change to livelihoods and prosperity throughout the world obliges us all 
to put the environment at the heart of our economic policies. So, we commend Barbados ' National 
Energy Policy target to reach 100% renewable energy and carbon neutrality by 2030. We 
appreciated the clarifications within the Secretariat Report regarding both demand and supply -side 
solutions. The outlined two -pronged attack – of increasing the adoption of  energy efficient 
technologies and promoting energy conservation, and diversifying sources of energy, respectively –
suggests a reassuringly holistic strategy.  
4.87.  Let me pay tribute to the leadership role that Barbados play in this Organization, as it does 
elsewhere in multilateral Geneva. In particular, let me reiterate our pleasure that Barbados ratified 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement back in January  2018 and encourage Barbados ' ongoing progress 
in implementing the TFA. We note that Barbados has various out standing WTO notifications. We are 
sympathetic and receptive to Members ' individual pressures and we encourage Barbados and other 
Members in similar circumstances to consult with the WTO Secretariat and to utili ze the resources 
already available. Notificat ions are a vital WTO transparency component, and their value is highly 
regarded both across the Membership and outside this Organization. We want to make these tools 
workable for delegations like Barbados, and effective for the Membership as a whole.  
4.88.  And finally, let me underline the healthy state of the long -standing bilateral relationship 
between our two countries. At the economic heart of that lies the UK -CARIFORUM Economic 
Partnership Agreement, which came into force in January  2021, ensuring continuity from the 
CARIFORUM -EU Economic Partnership Agreement. The first meeting of that agreement 's Trade and 
Development Committee took place in October last year. The meeting was an opportunity for parties 
to provide updates on relevant trade policy d evelopments in the United  Kingdom and in the 
Caribbean region, and to reaffirm their desire for a prompt ratification of the EPA by all parties.  
4.89.  The United  Kingdom and CARIFORUM States discussed matters of joint interest including tariff 
liberali zation, t rade in goods and services, and geographical indications. The parties noted with 
satisfaction that the EPA had secured continuity of a trading relationship worth almost GBP 3 billion  
in 2020 and expressed their desire to develop further sustainable and inc lusive trade underpinned 
by the EPA.  
4.90.  And so, to conclude, we wish Barbados well in building on its trade -centred growth and 
development path as it recovers from the pandemic and the significant climatic events of 2021 and 
we thank our colleagues in Barbado s for their engagement in this important transparency exercise. 
Let this be a successful and fruitful fourth  Trade Policy Review.  
MAURITIUS  
4.91.  Mauritius would like to welcome the delegation of Barbados led by the Minister of State in 
Foreign Trade and Busines s Development , the Hon ourable  Cheryl  Sandra  V. Husbands , to the 
fourth  Trade Policy Review of Barbados. Mauritius also thanks the discussant H.E. Dr Asim Ahmed  
(Maldives) for his insightful remarks.  
4.92.  We would like to congratulate  Barbados for its strong economic performance during this period 
under  review, as well as the rapid recovery from the COVID -19 pandemic . 
4.93.  We note from the Trade Policy Review Report that trade has played  a crucial role in economic 
recovery . 
4.94.  As founding Memb ers of the WTO, Mauritius and Barbados  share a similar commitment for 
the smooth functioning of a rules -based multilateral trading system that contributes to inclusive and 
sustainable development.  
4.95.  We commend Barbados  for taking several initiatives in recen t the years to facilitate trade 
including the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  For instance, through various 
initiatives to modernize its cust oms administration , including the New Customs Act . WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  4.96.  We underscore Barbados commitment in pursuin g the agenda for small, vulnerable economies 
at the WTO.  
4.97.  Mauritius and Barbados, we are exposed to the same challenges in terms of economic 
development or climate change . Both countries could cooperate more to explore on ways of 
accessing and financing cli mate change adaptation , and resilience for trade.  
4.98.  We believe that export promotion and investment institutions are both countries can work 
together to establish possible trade and business linkages.  
4.99.  We would like to encourage Barbados in keeping up with it s WTO notifications with the view 
to promote transparency, and we have note d the good record that Barbados had in this respect . 
4.100.   Mauritius will continue colla borating  with the delegation of Barbados to advance the cause 
of SIDS  in the multilateral trade platform.  
4.101.   We wish Barbados every single success for this TPR.  
JAMAICA  
4.102.   Jamaica joins others in extending a very warm welcome to the Hon ourable  Cheryl Sandra  V. 
Husbands,  Minister of State in Trade and Business Development and the members of the delegation 
of Barbados.  
4.103.   Jamaica further aligns itself with the statements to be delivered by the distinguished 
Representatives of the ACP and CARICOM groups.  
4.104.   Chair, we thank you an d the Secretariat team for the arrangements for this meeting, 
especially the preparation of the comprehensive Report . 
4.105.   Jamaica welcomes the perspective of H .E. Dr Asim Ahmed (Maldives)  our discuss ant and 
thank s him for setting the stage today's  deliberations . 
4.106.   As a fellow CARICOM member,  the relationship between Jamaica and Barbados goes beyond 
sharing friendly relations based on long -standing historical ties, as both countries are active 
participants in one of t he longest existing  regional integrational movements.  
4.107.   In addition, bilateral relations between Jamaica and Barbados remain strong through 
investments and trade, noting that exports from Jamaica to Barbados increased in 2020.  We are 
further encouraged by t he shared commitment towards deepening our relationship in the areas of 
sports and sports administration, and the sharing of  best practice s experience from Jamaica's Stock 
Exchange .  
4.108.   We commend Barbados ' continue d commitment to deepening regional integrati on, 
particularly through its stewardship of the  portfolio on the single market and economy, within the 
CARICOM Quasi Cabinet and advocacy on behalf of the region on a number of key issues , while 
serving as Chairman of the Community on numerous occasions.  
4.109.   It would be further remiss of me  if I did not highlight the significant role that Barbados has 
continued to play on behalf of CARICOM and the ACP group , including within the WTO. As a small 
open economy like Jamaica, Barbados shares the belief t hat international trade is an effective tool 
for achieving its national socio -economic  objectives, including sustainable national  development.  
4.110.   We are therefore pleased to collaborate with Barbados in the promotion of a transparent, 
rules-based multilateral  trading system with the WTO at its core.  Evidence of the commitment of 
Barbados to strengthening the Organization is demonstrated by its active participation in the 
discussions on critical issues on the WTO agenda, such as services, e -commerce, agricultur e, and 
WTO reform.  
4.111.   Jamaica, therefore, is especially pleased with the strong leadership role played by current 
and former members of the delegation of Barbados, notably former Ambassador Chad  Blackman, WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  who chaired the  Trade and Environment , and Trade and D evelopment Committees and served as 
CARICOM coordinator until recently . We also recall his active participation as Chair of the SIDS group 
in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development  (UNCTAD).  
4.112.   Jamaica is also appreciat ive of the efforts of Mrs Shani Griffith -Jack, ACP's focal point on 
services and e -commerce, Dr Ricardo  Kellman, Barbados' current Charge d'Affaires here in Geneva 
and the team who actively participate in the work of the WTO, particularly in the negotiations leading 
to the succes sful outcome of the MC12  in June of this year . We look forward to a continued 
collaboration as we move to implement these outcome s in the coming months.  
4.113.   We view positively the Report which indicates that notwithstanding the challenges it would 
have faced by successive crises and setbacks, including the impacts of the eruption of La Soufrière  
volcano,  Barbados continues to pursue its economic revival expansion and sustainability t hrough its 
regional trade within the CARICOM single market and economy . The country has also continued  to 
attach importance to increasing trade with  bilateral partners such as Cuba, Colombia , and others in 
Latin America .  
4.114.   Jamaica commends Barbados for emba rking on restructuring its economy and for the 
government's efforts in implementing its  Medium -Term Strategic Plan, the Barbados Economic 
Recovery and Transformation Plan (BERT).  These actions which aim to address structural issues such 
as the high -debt le vels that hamper its growth potential  are already bearing fruit . 
4.115.   The Government's Report indicated that over the period 2018 to 2019 , public sector debt 
decreased and the country's foreign reserve saw improvement.  However, like so many developing 
countries , particularly small island developing states, Barbados did not escape the devastation 
brought by the onset of the COVID -19 pandemic . The pandemic resulted in severe dislocation in key 
sectors of  economy, including tourism, and adversely affected the progr ess that was achieved in 
various business sectors.  
4.116.   Nevertheless, we commend the quick action taken by the authorities, including through the 
implementation of the Barbados Employment and Sustainable  Transformation Plan (BEST)  and the 
Barbados Optional Saving Scheme,  to alleviate the difficulties of those affected through its Barbados 
optional saving scheme . The  ongoing efforts by the Government to alleviate th ese sector specific 
difficulties  should be supported . 
4.117.   The Government's Report  highligh ted the challenges encountered by small island developing 
states , such as Barbados and others in the region , in reaping the full benefits from the various 
arrangements in which th ey participate . As such, we support the call for greater support to be 
provid ed to Barbados to strengthen its capacity in this regard . 
4.118.   The Government focus on securing an equitable and fair future for all is commendable.  
4.119.   We note that Barbados continues to take a proactive approach to ensuring a 
business -friendly  environment . The G overnment has implemented several reforms including support 
to its customs and excise departments and improving infrastructure , all of which  aim to facilitate 
smoother and more transparent trade . We urge all Members to support its efforts in this regard, 
which will no doubt redound  to the benefit of the wider trading system . 
4.120.   To conclude, Jamaica extends its best wishes  to the delegation of Barbados for a successful 
fourth  Trade P olicy Review.  
INDIA  
4.121.   Let me begin by extending a warm welcome to the delegation of Barbados, led by the 
Honourable Cheryl Sandra V. Husbands, Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business 
Development of Barbados. India is pleased to be part of the fourth  Trade Policy Review of Barbados 
today. My delegation would like to commend the Government of Barbados and the WTO Secretariat 
for the comprehensive reports. Our thanks also go to the discussant H.E.  Dr Asim Ahmed (Maldives) 
for his insightful remarks  today . WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  4.122.   India has close, cordial , and historic linkages with the Caribbean countries . India and 
Barbados enjoy friendly  ties and the presence and contribution of the Indian community has been 
an important link between our two people s. 
4.123.   Under the Indian Vaccine Maitri Programme, Indi a has provided 100,000  doses  in 2020 to 
assist in Barbados' vaccination efforts.  
4.124.   The total bilateral trade between the two countries is growing steadily and stands at  
USD 11.71  million in the financial year 2020 -2021, and USD  17 million i n financial year 2 021-2022.  
4.125.   India exports to Barbados vehicles, pharmaceuticals, machinery, plastics, etc., and imports 
electrical machinery, plastics, organic chemicals, iron and steel. Furthermore, the is potential for 
investment in pharmaceuticals, health care, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure development.  
4.126.   As brought out in the Secretar iat Report , since the last Review  the economic growth in 
Barbados has remain ed sluggish  and Barbados too, like most world economies , has been hit hard  
by the  COVID-19 pande mic. Major challenges include a sharp decline in tourism  receipts,  mounting 
public debt and the recent disastrous  climatic  events that have exacerbated the stress  on the 
economy.  
4.127.   To respond to the se economic challenges, we are happy to note that there are a number of 
initiatives which have either been implemented or are said to be  undertaken by the Government, 
with an aim of either establishing  new industries or improving on existing ones.  
4.128.   We wish Barbados every success in navigating t hrough these challenges and implementing 
its vision for economic growth, developing its industrial energy sector, enhancing competitiveness 
and fiscal consolidation.  
4.129.   We remain committed to partner with Barbados in realizing  its development goals . My 
delegation also applauds the commitment of Barbados to the multilateral trading system and very 
much appreciated the constructive role played by Barbados in the WTO, and in the ongoing 
negotiations , specially articulating the interest and challenges faced by all economies on the context 
of work programme s and other areas of negotiation.   
4.130.   Finally,  to conclude  we look forward to working together with Barbados if further  expanding 
and fostering our bil ateral trade and investment ties as well as working  closely on issues of mutual 
interest at the WTO.  
4.131.   We wish the delegation of Barbados a productive and very successful Trade Policy Review.  
JAPAN   
4.132.   Japan welcomes the delegation of Barbados, headed by the Honourable  Cheryl  Sandra  V. 
Husbands, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Business Development. Japan would like to thank 
the Government of Barbados and the WTO Secretariat for their respective Reports prepared for this 
review. We also appreciate the discussant, H .E. Dr Asim Ahmed , Ambassador of Maldives for his 
insightful remarks.  Taking advantage of this review opportunity, we would like to touch upon several 
issues.  
4.133.   According to the Secretariat 's Report, the Barbadian economy, with the tourism and related 
sectors accounting for more than half of its total value addition, has been affected by the pandemic, 
and by the speed of global recovery. Last year, its GDP grew by 0.7%, after diminishing by 14% 
in 2020, and with a projected growth by 10.5% this year. The Barbados Economic Recovery and 
Transformation Plan (BER T) introduced in 2018, which focuses on productivity growth, industry 
diversification, and fiscal consolidation, provide the right direc tion for its economic reform. We hope 
that various initiatives based on this plan will lead to further economic development in Barbados . 
4.134.   Japan supports Barbados to pursue its economic development through external trade, 
including its efforts in recent year s for an expansion of trade relations with Africa and the Middle  East 
countries.  WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  4.135.   Japan and Barbados are important partners sharing fundamental values, and have long 
nurtured friendly relations, this year celebrating the 55th anniversary of the establishmen t of 
diplomatic relations. We have developed our bilateral relationship, including through our cooperation 
on issues facing the international community, such as climate change and disaster management.  
4.136.   Barbados and Japan share common challenges of strengthe ning our capacity of resilience in 
natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tsunamis, and earthquakes . 
4.137.   Introduction of renewable energy and the promotion of energy conservation are also 
important agenda for Caribbean countries, relying on imports with regard  to energy resources. We 
will continue to provide cooperation to help efforts by small island countries to overcome such 
vulnerabilities.  
4.138.   While the trade volume between Barbados and Japan is not large compared with those of 
the major trading partners of Ba rbados, like the U nited States, CARICOM countries, the 
European  Union, we nevertheless have presence of Japanese companies located in Barbados, and 
attach a high importance to our economic relations with Barbados.  
4.139.   At the WTO, we welcome the active engagement of Barbados. We would like to offer once 
again our appreciation to Mr  Jerome  Xavier  Walcott, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of 
Barbados, for having served as a Vice -Chair of MC12 and the facilitator of two key papers . We 
commend Barbados ' active engagement in the multilateral trading system, as the current 
coordinating member of CARICOM in the WTO. We also extend our appreciation to Barbados for its 
efforts as a co-coordinator of the Informal Dialogue on P lastics Pollution and Environmentally 
Sustainable Plastics Trade.  
4.140.   The Report by the Secretariat states that Barbados has made various WTO notifications since 
the last Review. Commending that, we would also encourage further efforts by Barbados to address 
the remaining outstanding issues and improve transparency.  
4.141.   In conclusion, we wish the delegation of Barbados a very successful and fruitful Trade Policy 
Review.  
BOLIVARIAN  REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA  
4.142.   The delegation of the Bolivarian  Republic of Venezuela wishes t o welcome the delegation of 
the Republic of Barbados led by the Honourable Ms  Cheryl  Sandra  V. Husbands, Minister of State in 
Foreign Trade and Business Development, as well as to thank the discussant, Ambassador 
Dr Asim Ahmed (Maldives), for the analysis setting the context for us, and the Secretariat for the 
organization and documentation.  
4.143.   We would like to open our statement by recalling the historic ties of brotherhood and trade 
cooperation that have united us with Barbados for over 50  years, which have  managed to overcome 
cultural and ideological barriers imposed by language, creating an awareness with objectives focused 
on reinforcing Caribbean integration.  
4.144.   For a number of years, both countries have been working on a cooperation agenda aimed at 
streng thening multilateralism as a strategy to guarantee peace and security for the peoples of the 
world confronted by empires seeking to undermine them, in which the bonds of respect and defence 
of the principles of independence and sovereignty are endorsed.  
4.145.   With regard to the Report by the WTO Secretariat for Barbados' fourth  Trade Policy Review, 
we note with concern that the country's economy was severely impacted by the COVID -19 pandemic, 
given its dependence on imports of goods and exports of services, part icularly tourism, as well as 
the increase in the current account deficit, which reached USD  528.5  million in 2021, or 5.4% of 
GDP. 
4.146.   With regard to the multilateral processes that have taken place in Geneva, we wish to 
highlight Barbados' active participation in the 15th UNCTAD Conference, which it hosted virtually 
owing to the COVID -19 pandemic, as well as its intervention at the 12th Ministerial Conference, WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  advocating the position of developing countries, especially on the urgency of addressing the impact 
of climate change.  
4.147.   As we wish the Republic of Barbados a successful Trade Policy Review, we would like to close 
our statement by reaffirming our willingness to strengthen trade relations, as well as our shared 
commitment to shaping a strong, sup portive, fair , and predictable multilateral trading system based 
on common and transparent rules.   
HONDURAS  
4.148.   Honduras warmly welcomes the entire delegation of Barbados, led by its head of delegation, 
Her Excellency the Honourable Ms  Cheryl  Sandra  V. Husband s, Minister of State in Foreign Trade 
and Business Development, and we extend our appreciation to our colleagues in Geneva for their 
excellent work, and thank them for their statement and Report.  
4.149.   Our thanks go to you, Chair, for your leadership and guidance, to the discussant for his 
valuable contribution and to the WTO Secretariat for the excellent work carried out.  
4.150.   Our country is pleased to participate in this exercise in transparency and we are pleased to 
note that Barbados is considered the riche st and one of the most developed countries in the Eastern 
Caribbean and enjoys one of the highest per  capita incomes in the region.  
4.151.   We also note that, in 2021, Barbados was ranked 29th in the Corruption Perceptions Index 
by Transparency International, one of the highest rankings in the Caribbean region.  
4.152.   Historically, Barbados' economy was dependent on sugar cane cultivation and associated 
activities. However, in recent years the economy has diversified into light industry and tourism. In 
addition, offshore financial and information services are a key source of foreign exchange.  
4.153.   According to 2021 statistics, domestic production covers a large share of demand for chicken 
and, to a lesser extent, pork, and it is self -sufficient in tubers and eggs.  
4.154.   The Reports highlight the significant efforts made by the Barbadian authorities to cut the 
deficit and enter into a fiscal consolidation path to halt the increase in public debt.  
4.155.   Barbados is a net recipient of foreign direct investment, with flows mostly directed to 
financial services and to the tourism sector and other travel -related activities.  
4.156.   In the latter sector, we note the pursuit of digitally based marketing initiatives, the creation 
of a virtual tourism programme and the development of a competitive marketing  strategy.  
4.157.   The reports highlight that in 2019 Barbados adopted the National Energy Policy 2019 -2030, 
which sets the ambitious target of replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy, aiming at achieving 
100% renewable energy and carbon neutrality by 2030.  
4.158.   With regard to our bilateral relations, Barbados and Honduras have enjoyed strong 
diplomatic relations for over 30 years.  
4.159.   As for bilateral trade, during 2021 we exported around USD  792,000 in wood and wood 
products and tobacco to Barbados and imported mo re than USD  159,000 in miscellaneous chemical 
products, essential oils and resinoids.  
4.160.   At the regional level, we highlight the Joint Declaration of the Fourth Summit of Heads of 
State and Government of the Caribbean Community and the Central American Integration System, 
adopted in March of this year. The parties included in the Declaration, among other issues, 
commitments to strengthen foreign policy consultation, collaborate actively on socioeconomic 
development issues, including tourism, tra de and investment, and enhance cooperation on public 
health, climate change, natural disasters and prevention, as well as integrated risk management.  WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  4.161.   Our countries share policy objectives such as to promote and facilitate the development of 
international t rade, improve competitiveness and pursue the agenda for Small and Vulnerable 
Economies in the WTO.  
4.162.   Lastly, Honduras acknowledges the contributions, achievements and active participation of 
Barbados in the WTO and wishes it every success in the presentation  of its fourth  Trade Policy 
Review.  
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA  ON BEHALF OF THE OECS  
4.163.   H.E. Mr Ángel Villalobos  Rodríguez , Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body; the Honourable 
Cheryl Sandra  V. Husbands , Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business Development  of 
Barbados and her delegation; the discussant H.E.  Dr Asim Ahmed , Ambassador and Permanent 
Representative of Maldives to the WTO.   
4.164.   I make the statement on behalf of the WTO Members of  the Organization of Eastern 
Caribbean States (OEC S). This statement is a lso aligned with the statement made  on behalf of 
CARICOM and the statement to be made on behalf of the ACP . 
4.165.   The OECS is pleased to participate in this Trade Policy Review of Barbados . In this regard, I 
join others  in welcoming the Honourable  Minister Husbands and her delegation . We also thank 
Minister Husbands and her team for Barbados ' Report . We further thank you Chair , for your acute 
steering of this session and we convey our compliments to the Secretariat for the comprehensive 
Report whic h has been provided . We also extend our appreciation to the discuss ant for his insightful 
commentary . 
4.166.   Since its independence in 1966,  Barbados has been a leader among small island developing 
states (SIDS)  and a norm shaper  on the international stage . Against many historical odds, Barbados 
has managed to build a prosperous economy, achieve high levels of human and social development 
and maintain a high degree of  political stability . Of late, the challenges faced by Barbados, including 
with respect to the imp acts of climate change and natural disasters, the economic fallout  from the 
COVID -19 pandemic , and the expanding public debt , point to  the peculiar vulnerabilities facing SIDS , 
which can obliterate decades of development.  
4.167.   These  are important to note as they further contextualize many of the arguments that SIDS 
and other developing countries continue to make around conversations on development in the WTO , 
including the need to ensure that they are provided with an environment which is more 
accommodating o f their development needs and concerns . We remain confident in Barbados' ability 
to navigate  these uncertain times, and we take note of the proactive steps guided by sound 
leadership that the Government is taking to restructure the economy; indeed, the eco nomies of 
Barbados  and those of the O ECS member States are linked through the Caribbean Community 
(CARICOM), specifically the revised Treaty of Chawaramas , which aims to create a single market 
and economy . 
4.168.   Within CARICOM, the O ECS region is among Barbados'  largest trading partners . In this 
connection, the economic well -being of our member States  is inextricably tied to the economic 
well-being of Barbados and vice versa . It is not a secret that under previous Government and leader , 
but from the same part , Barbados expressed the keen interest in joining the O ECS. Negotiations 
were, in fact , ongoing during the attendance of the then Prim e Minister of Barbados  at various 
meetings of the O ECS authorit ies or heads of Government . Whatever may have been the cause fo r 
the abandonment of the courtship , I wish to assure the delegation of Barbados that we in the O ECS 
bear no ill will and we would in fact welcome any sign of renewed interest.  
4.169.   Over the next few years, especially in the built-up to the 13th Ministerial Conference, we look 
forward to working with Barbados to advance discussions and proposals , which are germane to our 
interest,  including with respect to the reform of the WTO, enhan cing the development dividend of 
the multilateral training system, concluding the outstanding elements  of the Fisheries Subsidies 
Agreement, making progress on agricultur e negotiations , and making concrete inputs into the 
e-commerce work program me, among o thers. WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  4.170.   In closing , my delegation would like once again to applaud Barbados for its sterling efforts 
and congratulate the delegation on a successful Review and to renew to Barbados the support of all 
the O ECS member  States.  
MADAGASCAR  
4.171.   First of all, Madagascar would like to welcome the members of the Barbados delegation led 
by H.E.  Ms Cheryl  Sandra  V. Husbands, Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business 
Development.  
4.172.   Madagascar would like to congratulate Barbados on this Report as part of its Tra de Policy 
Review, and in particular for the initiatives aimed at facilitating and improving the business climate 
and promoting trade. Particular emphasis is placed on innovation, information, communication and 
smart technologies, and insolvency legislation  to this end.  
4.173.   In this context, both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors benefit from trade reforms 
that improve institutional and structural efficiency by improving procedures governing the movement 
of goods, on the basis of the Trade Facilitation Ag reement (TFA). This has been achieved not only 
by implementing a number of initiatives such as the launch of the Trusted Trader Programme and 
the implementation of pre -arrival processing procedures to expedite the customs clearance of goods, 
but also throu gh the project to implement a national electronic single window for trade.  
4.174.   Madagascar welcomes the initiatives within the main sectors of the economy that continue 
to be geared towards developing trade to support growth and development.  
4.175.   Thus, in the agricu ltural sector, the Government's response to the drought situation in the 
Caribbean region during the period from 2014 to 2020 has seen, or will see, the implementation of 
initiatives such as the Farmers' Empowerment and Enfranchisement Drive (FEED) Program me, the 
restructuring of the dairy industry and the development of the sheep industry.  
4.176.   The manufacturing sector has seen legislative texts brought into line with Barbados' 
commitments within the WTO. In this connection, a number of tax -related texts have b een amended 
or repealed.  
4.177.   Barbados' tourism sector has also felt the full impact of the COVID -19 pandemic; accounting 
for 17.5% of GDP in 2019, the share of GDP will only account for 6.2% in 2020 and will fall to 2.8% 
in 2021. In terms of values, the contr ibution of tourism has fallen by 71% in one year, between 
2019 and 2020.  
4.178.   The Government of Barbados has, however, adopted measures that Madagascar can largely 
draw on to revitalize its tourism sector. Measures such as  
• The allocation of the necessary mean s to fund the training and re -engagement of workers, 
to implement technologies that bring about greater efficiencies and to enable companies 
to survive ; 
• To skill, upskill and reskill t he direct and indirect tourism and hospitality workforce  under  
the Natio nal Training Initiative (NTI) . 
4.179.   Madagascar notes that Barbados has abolished entities and amendments to legislation 
concerning international businesses in order to honour its international commitments, notably the 
Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Tr eaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and 
Profit Shifting, and to enhance its attractiveness as a global business hub.  
4.180.   It should be mentioned that Barbados has faced a difficult situation beyond the pandemic, 
as the country experienced the conseque nces of a volcanic eruption and several climate disasters 
in 2021. However, despite the impact of COVID -19 and its climate vulnerability, Barbados has always 
supported international trade and has not put in place any barriers that could have hindered trade . WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  4.181.   Lastly, Madagascar would like to stress that Barbados' spirit of openness is faithfully reflected 
in its very active participation in all bodies of the multilateral trading system, and in particular in the 
WTO.  
KENYA ON BEHALF OF THE ACP GROUP  
4.182.   I am honoured to deliver this statement on behalf of the ACP Group and on behalf of my 
Ambassador.  
4.183.   Firstly, I take this opportunity to warmly welcome the Hon ourable  Cheryl Sandra Husbands, 
Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business Development , and h er delegation to Geneva and the 
WTO. Barbados has had a high profile in its representation at the WTO over the years, including 
leading as Chair of various WTO bodies. In addition, as a member of our Group, Barbados served as 
Coordinator in 2015, leading t he ACP Group at the Nairobi Ministerial Conference, and representing 
the Group at ministerial level at the Buenos  Aires Ministerial Conference in 2017.  
4.184.   Barbados has embarked on a strong trajectory of economic transformation characteri zed by 
trade developm ent and debt restructuring. During the period of review, the commitment of the 
Barbadian Government to further integrate Barbados into the global and regional markets is well 
commended.  
4.185.   Notwithstanding efforts to transform the economy, the Government and the people of 
Barbados had to contend with the shock of the COVID -19 pandemic. For instance, in 2019, Barbados 
received around 234 ,659 tourist arrivals from the UK. The number of arrivals reduced significantly 
to 64,456 in 2020 and 58 ,426 in 2021. Around 4 1,000 unemployment applications were received by 
the Government, which represents a third of the aggregate workforce, demonstrating the regrettable 
impact of the pandemic on the tourism industry. The pandemic also impacted the government 's 
ability to re -energize crucial sectors of the economy including manufacturing and agriculture.  
4.186.   Furthermore, the ACP Group take s cognizance of the influence that debt and shrinking 
foreign reserves have had on the economy of Barbados. These include experiences with public  debt 
crises and contractions in private flows of investments. Nonetheless, we applaud the Government 
for successfully tackling these difficult times with strong policies, as well as the resilience of the 
Barbadian people.  
4.187.   Along with financial policies, B arbados has been commendable in shaping its agricultural 
policies. It is important to mention the large -scale impact of natural disasters like El  Niño, on the 
agriculture sectors of small vulnerable economies like Barbados. While we firmly stand behind the  
Barbadian Government in their resilient policies, we must encourage capacity -building and technical 
assistance to buttress the recovery efforts. The Special Technical Assistance Programme is one of 
the examples of the government 's effort to strengthen the  understanding of the business community 
on grants, standards and certifications which would enable further trade. The FEED program me is 
another example of the government 's commitment towards farmers and entrepreneurs by retraining 
them in obtaining market  access as well as supporting financial stability for their families. We must 
also take note of the Barbados Agricultural Management Company 's efforts in restructuring the 
highly valued sugar industry in the country by transitioning from bulk production of  sugar to 
value -based production focused on direct consumption and exports. We are confident that under 
these initiatives, the agriculture sector in the country will improve and support the wider citizenry in 
terms of employment.  
4.188.   In addition to the agricu lture sector, the Barbadian government 's commitment to improve 
the manufacturing and tourism sectors is also a positive development.  
4.189.   Amongst national economic changes, the government 's strong commitment to regional and 
multilateral trade has been clear. We are happy to note the government 's determination to expand 
trade-ties beyond the region and the neighbourhood through new agreements and liberali zation. It 
is evident from the intere st of the Barbados Government and within CARICOM that the new initiatives 
to expand the liberali zation of free movement will further increase opportunities for the people of 
the region and strengthen integration. Furthermore, we recognize Barbados ' interes t in the 
Caribbean Basin Initiative, which will benefit its export earnings as well as strengthen opportunities 
for its nationals.  WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  4.190.   To conclude, the ACP Group underlines Barbados ' commitment to improving the economic 
and trading environment in the country.  These policies, with a strong impact on citizens, can 
strengthen development and enable the people to better participate in the global and national 
economies. Lastly, we wish Barbados success in its national efforts to improve its economy through 
trade, d evelopment, and integration in the global economy.  
GUYANA ON BEHALF OF THE CARICOM GROUP  
4.191.   I delivered a statement on behalf of the CARICOM Group on the occasion of the Republic of 
Barbados' fourth Trade Policy Re view.  
4.192.   At the outset we align ourselves with the statement that was just delivered by Kenya on 
behalf of the ACP Group. We are pleased to welcome the Honourable  Cheryl  Sandra  V. Husbands, 
Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business Development.  Along with her delegation to Geneva . 
We thank Barbados for its insightful and comprehensive Report . We also appreciate the work of the 
Secreta riat and express our gratitude for the extensive Report.  
4.193.   As highlighted by the ACP Group, the delegation of Barbados has undoubtedly made a strong 
presence in the WTO through its active involvement and the various bodies . Barbados has also been 
a prominent defender of  the multilateral trading system. We acknowledge the hard work and 
leadership of Dr  Ricardo  Kellman , Chargé  d'affaires , ably  leading the Barbadian delegation in 
Geneva . The CARICOM Group also uses this opportu nity to thank the Permanent  Mission of Barbados, 
under the leadership of former Ambassador Chad B lackman , for leading the CARICOM coordination 
from August  2021 to July  2022.  
4.194.   The CARICOM Group commends  Barbados for its continued efforts to expand its econo my 
and enhance international competitiveness, despite the developmental challenges Barbados would 
have faced with the 2008 financial and economic crisis , that continued until 2014, re sulting in the 
contraction of the economy and reduced levels and private capital  in-flows.  
4.195.   Then, in 2020 the COVID -19 pandemic and the volcanic eruption i n Saint  Vincent and the 
Grenadines, and two climatic events in 2021 led to the further economic pressures from which 
Barbados continues to recover . We can say that Barbados an d the CARICOM region have had their 
full share  of economic challenges over the years. With that, however, the Government of Barbados 
has made tremendous strides in its economic recovery and processes and is making positive steps 
towards economic growth  and development.  
4.196.   Our group commends Barbados for its sectorial  performance in the highlighted Reports . In 
agriculture, we note the rising  food prices and a food import bill at  nearly USD 350 million, 
competition for resources and drought conditions amongst  other challenges relative to the industry . 
We applaud Barbados for the measures taken to enhanc e the a griculture sector , with Farmers' 
Empowerment and Enfranchisement Drive or FEED Programme , restructuring of the sugar cane 
industry, development of  the black belly sheep industry , and major legislative and regulatory  
changes.  
4.197.   In 2019, the tourism sector contributed 17.5% to the GDP, following the adverse effects 
from the global pandemic, Barbados ' GDP for 2020 w as 6.2% and fell to 2.8% by the end of 2021. 
The Caribbean Community look s forward to a positive upswing of the tourism sector based on 
measures and  imple mented by the Government of Barbados through its Barbados Employment and 
Sustainable Transformation (BEST)  Plan, and national training initiatives to mitigate further and 
severe impacts on the industry . 
4.198.   The CARICOM Group lauds  Barbados for its progress and integrating into global trade  
witnessed by their participation in trade agreements and arrangements , these include the 
CARIFO RUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement , the  CARIFORUM -UK Economic Partnership 
Agreeme nt, the Caribbean based initiatives, CARIBCAN , among others . As CARICOM member States, 
most of us benefit from these regional -trade arrangements, we support  the strengtheni ng of these 
agreements to ensure that small island developing states , such as Barbados , can maximize the 
benefits to be derived from such arrangements . WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  4.199.   In closing , the CARICOM Group wishes  the delegation of Barbados continued success as it 
seeks to further  integrate its economy into multilateral trading space and progress against the 
ongoing challenges . Barbados is an important  member of the Caribbean Community, and to the 
region's overall development. We hope that Minister  Husbands will enjoy her time in Geneva,  and 
we convey best wishes for a successful Review.  
4.200.   On behalf of the Co -operative Republic of Guyana , I wish to commend the Republic of 
Barbados on this process,  and we do appreciate the challenges having just completed our own TPR 
earlier this year . 
4.201.   Our appreciation to the Government of Barbados and the Secretariat's Trade Policies Review  
Division in the preparation of the comprehensive Reports, equally our appreciation to the discuss ant 
for providing a summary and setting the context of these  Reports.  
4.202.   We associate ourselves with the statement by the ACP Group and join the speakers before 
me in praising our sister  CARICOM States in strides being made and further development plans for 
the years ahead.  
4.203.   On a bilateral level, Guyana and Barbados notwithstanding our long -close long -standing 
relationship ha s been enjoying closer collaboration and we look forward to this continuing to the 
mutual benefit  of our peoples.  
4.204.   We record  our appreciation for the continued leadership of Prime  Minister Mot tley in her 
efforts at regional integration . We wish the Honourable Cheryl Sandra V. Husbands  and her team a 
successful and productive TPR. 
REPUBLIC OF KOREA  
4.205.   I would like to thank the Honourable Cheryl  Sandra  V. Husbands, Minister of State in Foreign 
Trade and Business Development, and the delegation of Barbados for preparing this review . My 
special  thanks go as well to Ambassador Dr Asim Ahmed for his insight contribution as a discussant , 
and to the Secretariat for each informative report.  
4.206.   The Republic of  Korea appreciates this opportunity to take a close look at the trade policies 
and practices th at Barbados has  undertaken  since the Last Trade Policy Review in 2014 . Let me 
comment on th ree point s of its trade policy . 
4.207.   First, the Republic of Korea would like to take note of Barbados' economic  recovery and 
transformation plan, which has focused on improving productivity and diversifying the economy as 
well as ach ieving fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability . In the short term, it may be hard work 
entailing pain.  However, in the long-term Barbados would s ee a fruitful result. The Republic of Korea  
had a similar experience  over five economic development  plans , from the 1960s to the 199 0s, which 
became the driving force to efficiently allocate restricted resources to the core sector and for the 
Korean economy  to grow very rapidly.  
4.208.   Second, Barbados is a small open economy, mainly  dependent on global trade and vulnerable  
to external shocks . National credibility, a feature closely related with fiscal deficit and  public debt, is 
one of the most important elements for flourishing interna tional t rade and to overcome unexpected 
external shocks. Barbados has been r egistering  structural deficit during the past two decades, which 
has re sulted in rising public  debt and reduce the Government 's ability  to respond to external  shocks. 
The fiscal ba lance has been negative, except for 2019 . However, the Republic of Korea would like to  
pay attention to a primary balance showing a positive trend between 2016 and 2019 . It indicates 
the effort of Barbados ' Government to reduce fiscal deficit under BRT . I understand that the recent 
primary fiscal deficit as reflecting the fiscal response to the COVID -19 pandemic . We are now 
adapting to pandemic and going back to the  normal economic trend . So, i t is now time for Barbados 
to get ready to tighten its public de bt management again to maintain macroeconomic stability and 
further attract  foreign investment.  
4.209.   Third, regarding the balance of payment, Barbados is running a persistent current account 
deficit  feature offset  by foreign investment. It is a reasonable approach to revive the economy in 
the circumstance of the underdeveloped manufacturing sector . Services , and in particular tourism WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  are of utmost importance to Barbados' economy . Foreign direct investment focusing o n the tourism 
industry, perhaps to develop the service s industry and create many job opportunities . The Republic 
of Korea would like to recommend Barbados to take  to maximize the positive effect and to minimize 
the negative effect of FDI, for example, it m ay be necessary to develop incentives to attract or 
reinvestment the profit made from  FDI and bolder stable trade balance of the country . The Republic 
of Korea  support s for Barbados to explore all new sectors complement the t ourism  industry, which 
contribu te direct ly and indirectly  to over 50% of value added services and concentrated restricted 
resources in the new area, a single growth engine tends  to be easily exp osed to external shocks, 
which Barbados has already experienced in the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.210.   We would like to encourage Barbados to have deep discussion s with many countries in WTO 
and private export , and to conduct research on the kind of sector with a relatively comparative 
advantage, for example this based financial service s and green energy secto rs could be a potential 
candidate  for new growth engine .  
4.211.   In closing, I would like to express once again my deep appreciation to the Minister and the 
delegation of Barbados for their hard work and wish them every success  in their fourth TPR.  
ECUADOR  
4.212.   My authorities have asked me to convey their greetings to the honourable delegation led by 
Minister Cheryl  Sandra  V. Husbands, and to Mr  Ricardo  Kellman, Ms  Shani  Griffith -Jack and all the 
team with whom we work closely in Geneva.  
4.213.   We would also like to highlight the two reports submitted on the occasion of this Review and 
acknowledge the important contributions made by Ambassador Asim  Ahmed as discussant for this 
Review. Thanks and congratulations to the Secretariat for the great work during this Trade Policy 
Review.  
4.214.   Ecuador considers Barbados as a strategic partner in a number of areas of its international 
relations, including trade and investment. Both countries have achieved mutually beneficial results 
and work hand -in-hand in several areas of importance to the multilateral trading system.  
4.215.   Barbados and Ecuador co -lead the 75 -Member WTO Informal Dialogue on Plastics Pollution 
and Environmentally Sustainable Plastics Trade and has identified areas where it actively cooperates  
with other international forums and processes, such as the United Nations Environment Assembly 
(UNEA).  
4.216.   In addition, the two countries are working together on the Small and Vulnerable Economies 
Work Programme.  
4.217.   Barbados is an active Member in the multilate ral trade arena, a Member that we consider a 
leader in a number of areas, such as trade, the environment and sustainable development, electronic 
commerce and reform. My country recognizes Barbados' efforts in advancing necessary discussions 
on sustainable development. In 2021, and despite the fact that the world was still under restrictions 
due to the COVID -19 pandemic, Barbados hosted as a virtual venue the 15th UNCTAD Conference, 
the outcome of which was the Bridgetown Compact.  
4.218.   During this year and until a few days ago, Barbados has also been Chair of the Group of 77 
(G77) and China – Geneva Chapter. Ecuador, as part of this negotiating group, active in UNCTAD, 
appreciates Barbados' strong commitment to leading the discussions on development in Geneva.  
4.219.   Aspects of the progress on intellectual property worthy of special mention include that, on 
1 April 2020, Barbados deposited its instrument of acceptance of the Protocol of Amendment to the 
TRIPS Agreement. Barbados thus reaffirmed its commitment to addressin g the public health and 
trade issues afflicting developing and least developed countries.  
4.220.   Regarding specific sectors, Ecuador welcomes the policies that Barbados has adopted, 
primarily since 2021, for the protection of the sustainability and evaluation of its fisheries resources. 
In this regard, we share several aspects of its position on the negotiations on fisheries subsidies, 
particularly the protection of artisanal fisheries – given their socioeconomic sensitivity – appropriate WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  and effective special and  differential treatment, and the need for technical assistance and adequate 
capacity -building to meet its objectives of sustainability and economic development.  
4.221.   With regard to investment, we see that it plays a substantial role in the economy of Barbados, 
which has focused its efforts on creating a favourable environment for this type of activity and has 
managed to position itself as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment in the Caribbean.  
4.222.   Tourism, the most important sector for investment in Barbados, currently has a national 
growth and development strategy and we hope that this approach will be applied to other productive 
and export sectors. In these efforts, Ecuador considers that the discussions on investment facilitation 
within this Org anization could prove to be a positive contribution in this direction.  
4.223.   Ecuador wishes to highlight the role of Barbados as a key player in the multilateral arena. 
We are pleased to work together in several areas of mutual interest in the WTO and wish it ev ery 
success in completing its fourth Trade Policy Review.  
NIGERIA  
4.224.   Nigeria associates itself with the statement made by the ACP Group. Nigeria wishes to 
congratulate Barbados on its fourth Trade Policy Review exercise. I would like to welcome and 
commend th e entire delegation of Barbados  led by the Honourable Cheryl Sandra V. Husbands , 
Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business Development.  Allow me to thank our discuss ant 
Dr Asim Ahmed , Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Maldives to the WTO , for his in -depth 
analytical and insightful remarks . 
4.225.   We wish  to commend the resilience and initiatives of the Government of Barbados for 
continued economic  transformation centred  on trade, deve lopment and debt restructuring, with a 
view to further integrating Barbados  into the global and regional market . 
4.226.   Barbadian  economy is not an exception  to the negative impact  of COVID -19 pandemic, 
especially its tourism sector, which is reported to have exp erienced severe dislocation  as many 
international and regional flights temporarily ceased operations  to the country during the pandemic . 
The stress c aused  by the pandemic and other incidents , occurring in tandem , such as climatic events , 
have also negative ly impacted on the economic growth and development of the country.  
4.227.   We further commend the Government on its efforts towards formulating strong policies and 
program mes aimed at mitigating the negative impact on the economy.  We applaud the country's 
commitment for undertaking initiatives across various sectors  of the economy, notable among the 
initiatives include the Farmers' Empowerment and Enfranchisement Drive or FEED Programme , 
restructuring of the sugar industry, develop ment of the black belly sheep  industry . 
4.228.   Regarding the expansion and growth of the tourism industry post -COVID . We note that the 
Barbadian Government equally initiated measures on the  posit of digitally -based marketing, the 
creation of a virtual tourism pro gramme and the development of a competitive market ing strategy . 
Other initiatives geared towards eradicating inefficient outdated processes  and collapsing 
unnecessary bureaucratic layers that make it difficult for local and for foreign inve stors are  
commen dable . 
4.229.   In spite of the shocks , the GDP of Barbados expanded by 0.7% in the fourth quarter of 2021 
and is expected to reach 7.5% by the end of 2022 . We remain confident that the projected trend of 
the GDP annual growth rate of 2.8% will be achieved in 2023 . 
4.230.   At the bilateral level , Nigeria and  Barbados have maintained trade ties over the years; 
however, in view of the potentials abound in both countries, we  shall closely work with Barbados to 
push for stronger  trade ties  and to expand the trading activities between the two countries.  
4.231.   To conclude, Nigeria would like to once again acknowledge the initiatives and reform efforts 
of the Barbadian Government towards improving its business environment for trade and investment 
to thrive, while pushing  for transparent and predictable rules-based multilateral tradin g system.  We 
stand  ready to continue working closely with Barb ados and the rest of the Membership in view of 
WTO bodies and formats towards building a stronger  multilateral trading system.  WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  4.232.   Nigeria con gratulate s the entire delegation of Barbados for their engagement,  and we wish 
them a successful Trade Policy Review exercise . 
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO1 
4.233.   Trinidad and Tobago is pleased to participate in Barbados ' fourth Trade Policy Review. I join 
others in welcoming to Geneva and to the WTO the Honourable Cheryl Sandra V. Husbands , Minister 
of State in Foreign Trade and Business Development , and those capital -based officials who have 
accompanied her. We extend to o ur fellow CARICOM member State best wishes for a successful and 
insightful review. I also take this opportunity to commend Chargé  d'affaires  a.i. Dr Kellman, 
Mrs Griffith -Jack and Mr  Inniss for their valuable contributions at the WTO and wider internationa l 
Geneva, and particularly for their work in preparing for this TPR. We also commend former 
Ambassador Chad Blackman for his important contributions to the work of this Organization.  
4.234.   In addition, C hair, we thank you for your astute steering of this meetin g, as well as the 
Secretariat and the Government of Barbados for the preparation of their respective reports ahead 
of this review.  
4.235.   Trinidad and Tobago commends Barbados ' efforts, especially in the current global context of 
multidimensional, interconnected  crises, to remain open to international trade, which it recogni zes 
as a critical driver of economic growth and sustainable development. Despite the difficult 
macroeconomic climate, Barbados has advanced its trade and economic development agenda since 
its last TPR in 2015, with the introduction of new measures by the Government of Barbados during 
the intervening period.  
4.236.   We also salute Barbados ' firm commitment to the rules -based multilateral trading system. 
That commitment has been amply demonstrated in thi s house, through Prime Minister Mottley 's bold 
and thought -provoking inaugural WTO Presidential Lecture, Minister Walcott 's role as Vice -Chair and 
Minister Facilitator at MC12, former Ambassador Blackman 's chairmanship of the Committee on 
Trade and Environ ment and the Committee on Trade and Development, Barbados ' tireless work 
within the ACP Group on e -commerce and services, Barbados ' astute coordination of the CARICOM 
Group in 2021 and 2022 and, overall, Barbados ' outsized contributions to discussions and 
negotiations at the WTO on fisheries, services, electronic commerce, trade and health and special 
and differential treatment, among other issues.  
4.237.   Barbados has been a key advocate for regional and multilateral cooperation, for access to 
technical assistance  and capacity -building and for meaningful integration of developing country 
Members into global trade. In this regard, it is noteworthy that Barbados continues to pursue the 
development and SVEs agenda at the WTO and the cause of developing countries, SVEs  and SIDS 
in wider Geneva, for example at UNCTAD.  
4.238.   We are all well aware that the COVID -19 pandemic has had devastating impacts on the SVEs 
of the Caribbean Region and elsewhere. In the face of these challenges, Barbados has demonstrated 
steadfast commitme nt to the pursuit of economic development and growth, with strong policies 
relating to economic transformation, characteri zed by trade development and debt restructuring.  
4.239.   Key policy measures in this regard are enshrined in the 2018 Barbados Economic Recov ery 
and Transformation (BERT) Plan, and we commend the Plan 's focus on boosting productivity, on 
economic diversification, on debt sustainability and on fiscal consolidation. The BERT Plan has the 
additional commendable objective of rebuilding reserves and increasing growth, an approach that 
Members in the region m ay wish to emulate.  
4.240.   Bold measures within the Plan, such as those relating to the implementation of a 
comprehensive debt restructuring initiative aimed at creating fiscal space and facilitating the 
rebuilding of international reserves, have positively affe cted Barbados ' debt burden, placing the 
country in the promising position it is in today. Notwithstanding subsequent setbacks caused by the 
pandemic, the effectiveness of the BERT Plan and Barbados ' restructuring efforts became evident 
when public sector d ebt fell to 125% of GDP during the period 2018 -2019.  
 
1 The following statements were delivered during the second day of the meeting.  WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  4.241.   Trinidad and Tobago supports and applauds the signing of the project agreement in 2021 
between the Government of Barbados and UNCTAD to implement a National Single Electronic 
Window, as part of efforts to reform Barbados' regulatory trading regime. It is hoped that the 
implementation of the Single Electronic Window would provide similarly -immense benefits as those 
realized by Trinidad and Tobago through implementation of our Single Window, TTBizLink, whi ch 
has greatly improved the ease of doing business. As one of the first CARICOM member States to 
implement such a window, we stand ready to support our CARICOM neighbours in this regard.  
4.242.   The imperative for economic diversification has become increasingly u rgent among SVEs, 
particularly as it relates to our ability to mitigate exogenous shocks. The Government of Barbados 
is demonstrably cognizant of the importance of economic diversification and Trinidad and Tobago 
looks forward to collaborating and sharing best practices in this regard.  
4.243.   Finally, and in highlighting once again the challenges faced by SVEs, allow me to reference 
the 2015 Nairobi Ministerial Decision regarding substantially and meaningfully addressing the needs 
of SVEs in every area of WTO work . I also wish to reiterate perspectives outlined in this house on 
TACB for economies like Barbados emerging from the ravages of the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.244.   In closing, Trinidad and Tobago applauds Barbados once again on its sterling efforts and 
congratulates t he delegation in advance on the completion of a successful Review.  
CABO  VERDE  
4.245.   Cabo Verde would like to congratulate the distinguished delegation of Barbados on the 
occasion of its fourth Trade Policy Review, led by the Honourable Cheryl Sandra V. Husbands , 
Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business Development , and Mr  Ricardo  Kellman, Chargé 
d'affaires,  and to Mrs  Shani Griffith -Jack, First -Secretary at the Barbados Mission in Geneva, and we 
commend her role as our ACP Group focal point on trade in ser vices and e -commerce.  
4.246.   We would like also to express appreciation to the WTO Secretariat, to the Chair, and to the 
discussant Dr  Asim Ahmed  (Maldives).  
4.247.   The delegation of Cabo  Verde also expresses appreciation to Chad  Blackman in his role as 
the former Ambas sador of Barbados to UN and other international organizations in Geneva.  
4.248.   We applaud the active role of Barbados in the discussions in Geneva across a number of 
trade-related areas. For example, UNCTAD  15 and Chair of the G77 plus China; and with WTO Small 
Economies Work Programme. We also recognize the role of Barbados as a co -convenor of the 
Internal Dialogue on Plastic Pollution at the WTO.  
4.249.   Cabo Verde notes that is Barbados, a fellow small developing state (SID) and commends 
Barbados for its economic resi lience against the backdrop of numerous global and regional 
challenges. These includes impact from the unfortunate volcano eruptions in the Caribbean in 2021 
and drought conditions brought by El  Niño, which had a strong impact on local and regional 
economi es. Despite these adverse conditions, it is evident that Barbados continues on its journey of 
reformulating the economy and introducing new policies to support economic growth, resilience for 
its people. Against this backdrop, Barbados has enhanced its par ticipation in the WTO and 
multilateral trading system.  
4.250.   Cabo Verde recognizes the government's investment into its tourism sector as an effort to 
revive and bring forward efficient technology and reskill its citizens. As a SID, we share the 
importance of to urism in our economies with Barbados and commend the introduction of new 
policies, including extensive digital marketing to further develop the tourism sector after the 
COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.251.   To conclude, the delegation of Cabo  Verde wishes Barbados and its pe ople success in their 
national endeavour to further integrate with the regional and global economy. We Believe that as 
SIDS, stronger policies and resilience by the Government can put the country in a stronger position 
to support their economy and business es against the backdrop of climate catastrophes and 
numerous other global challenges.  WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF BARBADOS  AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  
5.1.  Permit me to express my delegation's gratitude to you Chair for the excellent manner in which 
you have conducted these proceedings. It would be remiss of me not to thank the discussant, 
H.E.  Ambassador Asim  Ahmed for your inspiring comments as well as for  agreeing to be the 
discussant. To the Members of the Trade Policy Review Body, Barbados says a heart -felt thank you 
for your questions, comments and commendations, and wishes for a successful Review. The 
delegation also expresses its profound thanks to th e team from the Trade Policy Review Division 
which was assigned to Barbados for the invaluable support which was provided during the Review. 
The delegation is also humbled by your expression of appreciation for the work and contribution of 
former Ambassado r Chad  Blackman , Chargé d'affaires a.i.  Ricardo  Kellman and First Secretaries 
Shani  Griffith -Jack and Dwaine  Inniss.  
5.2.  I wish to take this opportunity presented today to share the priorities of Barbados over the 
next seven years and highlight issues of crit ical import to Barbados at the international level.  
5.3.  Over the next seven years, Barbados sees its economic fortunes improving further. With the 
success of the first iteration of the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan or BERT, 
the Government  will be implementing BERT  2022. BERT  2022 lays out the Government of Barbados' 
economic and financial programme for the next four years, which is – to focus on achieving inclusive 
and sustainable growth, while maintaining fiscal and debt sustainability.  
5.4.  The plan includes a growth strategy which seeks to boost competitiveness of existing sectors, 
improve the doing business environment and the modernization of public infrastructure. There are 
also strategies to further improve the fiscal position, debt mana gement and social cohesion in the 
country.  
5.5.  In order to achieve targets, the Government will create joint public -private sector bodies to 
promote and support the implementation and coordination of the growth strategy. Monitoring will 
be a priority to ensur e that the plan and associated strategies deliver.  
5.6.  Following years of decline in the levels of domestic exports, I am pleased to state that exports 
are increasing. With the removal of COVID -19 measures, international travel is rebounding and the 
quantum o f arrivals is increasing. Given the importance of the sector, the full rebound of the industry 
is critical to efforts towards returning the economy to its full potential. Sectors supporting the tourism 
sector are also expected to grow. It is anticipated th at the economy will record 10% growth this 
year and sectors will return to pre -pandemic levels by 2024.  
5.7.  In order to support this growth, there are a number of initiatives which are in progress or are 
expected to be introduced in the next review period. Ba rbados is building out a life sciences sector 
and the bio -economy. This takes advantage of the human resource capacity on island in the area of 
bioscience. Initiatives include building out new industrial parks such as the life sciences park and 
oceans indu strial park at sea. Some of the industrial parks will be powered by renewable energy 
solutions such as biogas, photovoltaic systems, and green hydrogen.  
5.8.  Trade and logistics go hand in hand. The country is also positioning itself as a logistics hub 
giving its strategic location in the Caribbean and the Western Hemisphere. Our unique location 
permits easy transit of persons and goods to the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe , and Africa.  
5.9.   In the area of agriculture, the Government will finalize the process of u pdating legislation in 
the area sanitary and phytosanitary measures. This will greatly assist in efforts to support trade in 
agricultural and meat products.  
5.10.  In the area of customs modernization, I am pleased to advise that Barbados will implement 
the 2022  version of the harmonized system by the end of the first quarter of 2023. In addition, the 
Electronic Single Window will be implemented by 2025. Through the electronic single window, it is 
anticipated that traders will secure benefits including, but not l imited to, improved transparency in 
the operations of regulatory agencies; improved ability to classify goods and satisfy regulatory 
filings; reduced trade -related transaction costs, and enhanced levels of predictability in duties and 
requirements before i mporting commodities.  WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  5.11.  Efforts will continue to improve the ease of doing business. The multi -stakeholder approach 
to removing impediments to the same will continue. The process of digitizing some of the services 
which are offered by the Government will als o continue.  
5.12.  At the regional level, work is being undertaken against the backdrop of the recovery efforts 
due to the pandemic, addressing climatic concerns, and inflation pressure in terms of fuel and food. 
Priority will continue to be placed on ensuring th at Caribbean people have access to food at cheaper 
prices, and addressing the air and maritime transportation challenges in order to facilitate the 
effective and efficient movement of goods and people.  
5.13.  As small island developing states and vulnerable econ omies, access to finance and 
development support is critical. Many of these countries are ineligible to receive official development 
assistance, even though one climatic event can erode the entire gross domestic product of a country. 
Coordinated work will continue to ensure that small island developing states can access greater 
funding to be able to help with the climate vulnerability that we face. Therefore, a discussion is 
needed in appropriate fora on the access to development finance and the ensuing cri teria for access 
for those most in need.  
5.14.  In closing, Barbados is of the view that once there are no major disruptions in the international 
environment over the short to medium term, there will be continued growth in the economy and 
upgrades in Barbados' r atings in credible institutions. There is much to be done as we seek to 
transform our systems and the economy. The necessary policy space is required in order to permit 
appropriate measures to be put in place to allow us as a country to achieve these goals . Barbados 
is mindful of its obligations at the international level and any measures implemented will be 
consistent with those obligations. Our commitment to multilateralism has not waivered and we will 
continue to actively engage in the discussions at thi s level.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.15.  It has been a great pleasure for me to be part of this extensive and constructive discussion 
at the fourth Trade Policy Review of Barbados. I would like to highlight the salient points raised by 
WTO Members during this review process. All 21 Members that t ook the floor on Tuesday expressed 
their appreciation to Barbados on the meaningful trade relationships that they enjoy - in terms of 
the economic value of bilateral and regional trade, as well as through the active engagement of 
Barbados within the multil ateral rules -based system. Member States also conveyed their 
appreciation for the written responses provided by Barbados for all the advance questions submitted.  
5.16.  During the discussions, Members praised the measures taken by Barbados to enhance the 
resilie nce of the economy during a period of profound and unprecedented global economic challenges 
caused by the COVID -19 pandemic, the financial crisis and natural disasters. In addition to 
acknowledging the country 's targeted fiscal response, several Members al so noted the prompt and 
effective measures implemented to support businesses during the pandemic, such as investments 
in the health sector, including the development of quarantine facilities, and the provision of welfare 
payments to vulnerable individuals.  It was observed that these measures had significantly 
contributed to the strong recovery of the Barbadian economy over the past year. The International 
Monetary Fund forecasts that the GDP of Barbados would increase by 10.5% in 2022, in real terms.  
5.17.  Furthe rmore, Members acknowledged the efforts made through the Barbados Economic 
Recovery and Transformation (BERT) Plan, which helped to increase growth and productivity. They 
highlighted the importance of such initiatives to diversify the country 's economy, as  well as to 
achieve fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability. Members encouraged Barbados to share these 
experiences at different multilateral platforms to help other countries learn from their best practices.  
5.18.  Several Member States spoke of the import ance they placed on their respective trade 
agreements with Barbados and expressed a desire to further strengthen their trade relationships, 
and take economic and trade cooperation to new levels.  
5.19.  Member States appreciated the country 's commitment to the multilateral trading system and 
noted the constructive contributions made by Barbados to the WTO 12th Ministerial Conference, 
especially in their role as the coordinator for CARICOM. They also highlighted the successful hosting WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  of UNCTAD  15, as a clear demons tration of Barbados ' commitment to development and rules -based 
trade.  
5.20.  It is noteworthy that the delegation of Barbados informed at the outset, that they are looking 
towards a favourable  resolution of tariff lines as soon as possible. Some Members also refe rred to 
intellectual property rights in the country and encouraged to further review the legislation.  
5.21.  During the discussions, Members encouraged Barbados to notify trade related legislation and 
to enhance capacity development on the domestic front, to mee t its notification obligations. Member 
States appreciated the country's sincere wish and political will to comply with the obligations that 
arise from WTO membership in accordance with current transparent practices. During the opening 
statement, the delega tion of Barbados assured Members that every effort would be made to submit 
the notifications and that all notifications would be updated by the first quarter of 2023.  
5.22.  During the discussions, all Member States emphasized the importance of the work being 
carried out by Barbados in the field of climate change, and expressed appreciation for the 
implementation of the Barbados National Energy Policy for achieving a carbon neutral island and a 
fossil fuel -free electricity sector by 2030.  
5.23.  Before I conclude , let me congratulate the delegation of Barbados for a successful Review and 
thank the Honourable  Cheryl  Sandra  V. Husbands, Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business 
Development for her dedication and commitment to the fourth  Trade Policy Re view of Barbados.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.24.  The United  States would like to thank the Hon ourable  Cheryl Sandra V. Husbands, Minister of 
State in Foreign Trade and Business Development and the Barbadian delegation for your 
government 's dedication in presenting Barbados ' trade policy and responding to Members ' questions.  
5.25.  The United  States also appreciates the guidance of the Chair and discussant, and the hard 
work of the Secretariat in preparing the reports, which made this review possible.  
5.26.  Barbados is an important partner of the U nited States, and we look forward to continuing our 
engagement with Barbados bilaterally and at the WTO. Ba rbados has worked hard to overcome 
significant challenges to its economy during the reporting period of its Trade Policy Review. Despite 
those obstacles, Barbados has demonstrated high political will to improve its business climate 
through ambitious nation al development plans. As we mentioned yesterday, we encourage Barbados 
to share its experiences in implementing economic recovery measures as part of our work here to 
learn from each other in response to the aftermath of COVID -19 and natural disasters.  
5.27.  We also take note that your Ministry wisely combines foreign trade and business development 
as one unified objective. We would greatly benefit from Barbados ' perspective on how trade policy 
is used as a tool to drive business development and  should not be vie wed in a vacuum. We would 
value hearing what successes you have had in driving change within your Government toward s this 
purpose, particularly how your Ministry engages with the business community and broader 
stakeholders on trade policy issues.  
5.28.  The United  States hopes to work with your delegation here in Geneva to drive committee work 
that supports your national development goals as we work to ensure the WTO has relevance for 
each Member. We acknowledge Barbados ' commitment to transparency at the WTO , as you have 
mentioned Barbados ' plans to fully comply with all of its WTO notification obligations by March  2023. 
We underscore that those efforts are a critical aspect of our multilateral system.  
5.29.  The United  States will explore working alongside Barbado s to strengthen and deepen our 
bilateral trading relationship and once again we congratulate Barbadian delegation on a successful 
Trade Policy Review.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.30.  Let me first thank the Minister and the delegation of Barbados for the responses provided to 
our advanced questions as well as very comprehensive overviews today and on the first day . The WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  EU very much welcomes the useful  insight s that this review has provided into the reforms undertaken 
and progress achieved to ensure economic recovery as well as green economy, and Barbados can 
certainly be commended for  many steps taken in that respect as highlighted today also by the 
discuss ant. 
5.31.  At the same time the exchanges in th is TPR have shown that there is some small room for 
improvement in terms of Barb ados, trade and investment  environment. In this regard, the EU would 
encourage Barbados to consider initiating negotiations to join the Government Procurement 
Agreement and to strengthen its capacity to better fulfil its transparency in notification obliga tions. 
5.32.  We also encourage Barbados to further implement its different trade agreements to support 
stable business links and to improve investment climate and competitiveness and we have taken 
good note of the statement from this morning.  
5.33.  In conclusion, the  EU would like to  thank the delegation of Barbados for undertaking this 
important transparen cy exercise and demonstrating its commitment to the WTO . We are confident 
that our good cooperation will continue both here and bilaterally.  
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  This fourth Trade Policy Review of Barbados has provided us with an excellent opportunity to 
better understand the trade and related policies of Barbados since its last Review in 2015 and 
acknowledge the challenges it faces. The Review has benefit ed from the constructive and informative 
participation of Barbados' delegation, headed by the Honourable Ms  Cheryl Sandra V. Husbands, 
Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business Development, within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 
and Foreign Trade, from the insightful comments of the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Dr  Asim 
Ahmed, Permanent Representative of Maldives to the WTO, and from the 23  delegations that took 
the floor during this meeting.  
6.2.  Members recognized that since its last Revi ew in 2015 Barbados' economy has gone through a 
challenging period with an onslaught of exogenous stressors such as the global pandemic, climate 
events, a volcanic eruption in neighbouring S aint Vincent and the Grenadines, and supply chain 
disruptions foll owing the war in Ukraine.  
6.3.  Members noted that Barbados' average annual rate of real GDP growth in the 2014 -2019 period 
had been quite moderate, and that the COVID -19 had seriously affected the economy, with GDP 
falling by 14% in 2020, partly due to a sharp  decline in tourist arrivals. However, since 2021 GDP 
was growing again, with a gradual return of tourism.  
6.4.  Against this background, Members welcomed Barbados' pursuit of reforms, including the 
implementation of a fiscal consolidation programme aimed at ach ieving debt sustainability, 
improving productivity, and diversifying the economy. They also encouraged Barbados to seek 
economic diversification to reduce its dependence on income from tourism.  
6.5.  Noting that climate change is an existential issue for Barbado s, Members commended Barbados 
for being a strong supporter of climate -related action and appreciated its objective to achieve a 
fossil-fuel free economy and to significantly reduce greenhouse emissions by 2030.  
6.6.  Members applauded Barbados' active participa tion in, and contribution to, the multilateral 
trading system. They commended Barbados on its contribution to the success of MC12 and its 
constructive participation in the WTO in numerous areas, especially as the current coordinator of the 
CARICOM group an d a key member of ACP and SVE groups.  
6.7.  Members welcomed Barbados ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and noted that 
it had adopted a number of trade facilitation measures since the last Review, including the transition 
to ASYCUDA World and th e institution of a trusted trade programme. At the same time, Members 
strongly encouraged Barbados to fully implement all its remaining commitments under the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement.  
6.8.  Several Members noted Barbados' backlog with notifications in sever al key areas, such as 
agriculture, state -trading enterprises, quantitative restrictions, and import licensing, and urged it to 
submit these outstanding notifications in due course. Members welcomed the announcement by the 
Minister indicating that Barbados will submit pending notifications as soon as possible, but in any 
event,  it should be up to date on notifications by the end of the first quarter of 2023.  
6.9.  Members also acknowledged Barbados' leadership role in promoting trade and integration 
within the CA RICOM region. They encouraged Barbados to use this leadership position to advance 
the CARICOM trade agenda, and to address issues of tariff harmonization across member countries.  
6.10.  Several Members noted that the overall tariff level was relatively high, with  negative impacts 
on productivity and the overall price level, and encouraged Barbados to consider lowering tariffs. 
Barbados was also urged to rectify a situation where some applied tariff rates exceeded their 
corresponding bound rates.  
6.11.  Members praised Ba rbados for its open regime for foreign investment. They supported its 
efforts to create a stronger business environment to foster economic growth and innovation.  
6.12.  These are some of the key issues that emerged from our discussion. I hope that the delegation 
of Barbados will consider and further reflect on these issues and on the many constructive comments  WT/TPR/M/431 • Barbados  
 
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  that it has received during this review. Barbados received 159  written questions from 10  delegations, 
and has responded to all of them. May I therefore add my word of congratulations to Barbados on 
the successful conclusion of its fourth  Trade Policy Review and thank all the delegations for their 
cooperation and assistance.  
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