RESTRICTED  
  
WT/TPR/W/ 217 
27 January 2023  
(23-0646) Page: 1/41 
Trade Policy Review Body    
 
*In Original language only/ En langue originale seulement /En el idioma original solamente . 
  
BARBADOS  
DRAFT MINUTES  OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 25 AND 27 OCTOBER 2022  
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Mrs Daniela Salas : danielamariana.salas@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 10 February  2023. 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
BARBADE  
PROJET DE COMPTE RENDU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 25 ET 27 OCTOBRE 2022  
Les délégations sont invitées à soumettre  leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat ( Mme Daniela Salas : danielamariana.salas@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 10 février  2023 au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
BARBADOS  
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 25 Y 27 DE OCTUBRE 2022  
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sr a. Daniela Salas : 
danielamariana.salas@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 10 de febrero de 2023  las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias declaraciones.  
 
 
_______________  
 
  WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 2 - 
 
  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
BARBADOS  
DRAFT  MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez  (Mexico)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  3 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF BARBADOS  ................................ .. 5 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ................  8 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  12 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF BARBADOS  AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  ..... 34 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  40 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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/W/ 217 
 
- 3 - 
 
  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 
implementa tion 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 support for the multilateral trading system and its 
leadership and advocacy role for sma ll 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 contribution 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 authorities 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 engaged in the WTO during the review period. During th e 
period under review , Barbados r atified 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 environment 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/W/ 217 
 
- 4 - 
 
  1.15.   Barbados is a member of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), which 
sought to implement a common external tariff (CET) since 1991. All imports fro m 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 its 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 turkey 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 servi ces 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 -amended Financial 
Institutions Act, while the Exempt Insurance A ct 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 ma croeconomic policies; the impact of and Government response to COVID -19; customs 
procedures; implementation of the CARICOM CET; import licensing requirements; the government 
procurement regime; attraction 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 deadli ne. 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 system. It was also an opportune 
moment for Barbados to update the Membership on the impact of the pandemic on its economy, in 
particular tourism, a nd 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/W/ 217 
 
- 5 - 
 
  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPR ESENTATIVE 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. Ch allenges 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 revi ew 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 also 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 the economy.  
2.4.  Within the recent past, our fortunes were changing a s 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 result of the home -grown Barbados 
Economic Recovery and Transformati on 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 diversifying the economy, as well as achieving fiscal 
consolidatio n 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 safety of all persons in 
Barbados. This included increased inves tment 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 of 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 implementing 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 Ha rmoni 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 natio nal 
agricultural policy was drafted and prescribes an overhaul of the agricultural sector, institutional 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' Empowerment and Enfranchisement Drive or FEED 
Programme. This programme introduces the vulnerable in society to agricultural and livestock 
activities.  
2.9.  On the matt er of export activity, Barbados repealed key pieces of legislation which wherein 
support was provided based on export performance. This included the International Business 
Companies Act, the Fiscal Incentives Act, and the Societies with Restricted Liabilit y Act. The Export 
Credit Guarantee Scheme is also being phased out.  
2.10.   The legal framework for financial services was overhauled. To this end, supervisory 
frameworks for the banking and insurance sectors were created. In 2019, the amended Financial WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 6 - 
 
  Instituti ons Act and amended Insurance Act came into force. The International Financial Services 
Act and 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 functiona l cooperation. As lead country with  responsibility for the CSME, we have 
seen the impact of the 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 increasing food 
and nutritional security, improving quality and standards, private sector participation in the regional 
integration project.  
2.12.   Barbados notes the in terest 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 som e insights 
on these areas.  
2.13.   The COVID -19 pandemic has highlighted the need to address food security 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 target, 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 atte ntion 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, C ARICOM has been advancing work on the Protocols to be 
followed to facilitate trade 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 (CARICOM) 
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 P rivate Sector Organi zation, CARICOM Regional Organization for 
Standards and Quality (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 wit h human WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 7 - 
 
  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 will treat to the latter which is a concern for the Government. 
Barbados takes this opportunity that notwithst anding 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 at tention 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 note s 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 capacity constraints. The Government thanks y ou 
for your interest in Barbados' Trade Policy Review and the delegation looks forward to the 
deliberation over the two  days.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 8 - 
 
  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  
3.1.  I would  like to begin by extending a warm welcome to the delegation of Barbados, led by the 
Hon. Che ryl 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 me 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 woul d 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, Barbad os is a small island developing state with a population of 
approximately 271,000 in 2020 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 d epends on trade and investment as vital aspects of the country's development. As a fellow 
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 ov erview of the economic performance of Barbados 
during the period under review.  
3.5.  Barbados 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 gr owth and 
development path, despite the numerous challenges they have faced since the 2008 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 imp orts 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 globa l 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 rev iew period, Barbados' economic activity remained low due to several 
simultaneous 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, it 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 diversifying 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 fiscal 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 exogen ous shocks. In the period under review, 
the authorities reduced the deficit and 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 mandatory quarantine for all incoming travellers was among one of the measures put in WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 9 - 
 
  place to manage the flow of travellers into Barbados. Other measures included improved screeni ng 
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 suspension 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 prompted 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 dislocation 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. Add itionally, 
COVID -19 relief jobs were rolled out, and targeted cash transfers were provided 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. B arbados Employment and Sustainable 
Transformation Programme (BEST) was also launched in October  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 policy has not been impacted. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade represents 
the Government on matters of trade policy, negotiates trade agreements and coordi nates their 
implementation, and represents Barbados at the World Trade Organization and other 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 pro mote and facilitate international trade, especially 
exports, and to position itself strategically 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 so ught 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 CE T 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, the y also hinder productivity growth and result in higher living 
costs. Furthermore, they 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 countries 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 agr eement in CARICOM's favour. The second Agreement, the 
CARICOM -Colombia Trade, Economic 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 wa s the CARICOM -Dominican  Republic Free Trade Agreement which was signed 
in 1998. CARICOM 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 s igned in 2004. The Barbados Government ratified these agreements in April  2006 and has 
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 tra de 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/W/ 217 
 
- 10 - 
 
  are given duty -free, quota -free access to the European  Union markets. In addition to development 
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 places 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 forei gn export earnings.  
3.17.   The overall policy of Barbados when it comes to foreign investment is offering a favourable 
business environment. In general, foreign investors receive national level treatment as there is no 
specific legislation regarding foreign inves tment 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, howe ver, a few restrictions on foreign investment. The Government owns water and 
postal services. Travel agencies and tour operators must be CARICOM -based. Licences are required 
for private investment in broadcasting, banking, and insurance. Bilateral investme nt treaties (BITs) 
with the United  Kingdom, the Bolivarian  Republic of Venezuela, Germany, 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 Barbados 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 copyright s 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 affected 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 encumbranc es 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 economicall y 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 earni ng vital foreign exchange through fish exports. A new 
Fisheries Management Regulation 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 contained 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 been 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/W/ 217 
 
- 11 - 
 
  pandemic on the industry. Through the Barbado s 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 gr eater 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 tourism 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, ne w 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 small 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 outli ned by Barbados have a stronger focus 
on continued reforms and digitization transformation 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 belie ve that such transformations are important to achieving growth as a 
nation, and that 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 signif icant progress they have made. In spite of the fact that the 
economy has been threatened by the COVID -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 int erest 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/W/ 217 
 
- 12 - 
 
  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
UNITED  STATES  
4.1.  The United  States welcomes the distinguished delegation from Barbados an d 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 t rade in goods 
reached USD 798 million in 2021, an increase of 44% over 2020. We have worked with Barbados 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 economic development and diversification of the 
Caribbean Basin economies by providing countries with duty -free access to the US market for most 
goods. As no ted 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 i mprove 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 rebound ed in 2021, growing 7% over the previous year.  
4.5.  We also want to acknowledge Barbados ' ambitious goals to 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 objecti ve.  
4.6.  We applaud the ratification by Barbados of the 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 B arbados to fully implement all of 
its TFA commitments.  
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 expedited 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 intellectu al property rights (IP) during the review period. However, 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 i n the area of IP 
protection and enforcement, including with 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 W TO notifications remain outstanding, including 
in the areas of domestic support and export subsidies in agriculture, TRIMs measures, replies to the 
questionnaire on import licensing procedures, quantitative restrictions, national legislation and the 
checkl ist of issues on customs valuation, pre -shipment inspection 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 strengthe n WTO 
capacity -building efforts to support Members in submitting timely and complete notifications. The 
United  States is interested in developing more targeted technical assistance aimed at strengthening 
internal coordination mechanisms to improve transpar ency. Barbados would provide valuable 
perspectives and input on needed areas of training, tools, and resources to build notification 
capabilities Notifications provide transparency and predictability for traders, helping them make WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 13 - 
 
  more informed decisions o n 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 ou t in your 
economic reform program me with the IMF.  
4.11.   We enthusiastically 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 growth 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 will 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 sm all, open economies that rely heavily on trade 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 regulato ry trading regime and streamline and facilitate 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 elect ronic paperless 
processing environment will promote 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 
Caribbea n. 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 -commer ce.  
4.14.   Second, as fellow small island states, climate 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 201 7. 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 for ward to seeing further advancements in the 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  Agreement s such as the Government 
Procurement Agreement, 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 l ooks 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/W/ 217 
 
- 14 - 
 
  COLOMBIA  
4.17.   Saludamos atentamente a la delegación de Barbados, encabezada por la Ministra de Est ado 
de Comercio Exterior y Desarrollo Empresarial , la Honorable Señora Cheryl  Sandra  V. Husbands  
Senador Jerome Walcott, y a todo su equipo de capital y en Ginebra.  
4.18.   Agradecemos el análisis y los comentarios presentados por el ponente, el Embajador 
Asim Ahmed. Los elementos expuestos han contribuido de manera importante a enriquecer esta 
discusión. Igualmente reconocemos el dedicado trabajo de la Secretaría y de las au toridades de 
Barbados en la elaboración de los informes.  
4.19.   Colombia y Barbados comparten varios foros regionales y multilaterales. Gracias a ellos 
tenemos una relación dinámica y complementaria que va más allá de lo estrictamente comercial.  
4.20.   En el ámbito bila teral y regional tenemos, junto con 12  miembros del CARICOM, entre ellos 
Barbados, un Acuerdo de Alcance Parcial sobre Comercio y Cooperación Económica y Técnica desde 
mediados de los años 90. 
4.21.   Se trata de un Acuerdo que busca fortalecer las relaciones econ ómicas, comerciales y de 
cooperación entre las partes, mediante la promoción y expansión del intercambio de productos y el 
desarrollo de actividades de cooperación técnica y científica.  
4.22.   En tal sentido, este Acuerdo ha permitido una dinámica importante en l os flujos comerciales 
bilaterales, así como de inversión, además de motivar la cooperación entre los países y los asuntos 
culturales.  
4.23.   Barbados es una economía con potencial en sectores específicos en el ámbito de bienes y 
también en el sector turismo. Por supuesto, no fue la excepción respecto a las afectaciones derivadas 
de la pandemia de COVID -19.  
4.24.   Sin embargo, se han puesto en marcha cambios estructurales con el fin de restablecer el 
crecimiento y la estabilidad macroeconómica a medio plazo, a través del  denominado Plan de 
Recuperación Económica y Transformación de Barbados. Algunos de sus objetivos se orientan a 
mejorar la productividad y diversificar la economía, elementos que compartimos como objetivos de 
política industrial y comercial.  
4.25.   En términos de  la relación bilateral, si bien el comercio es relativamente bajo ( alrededor de 
USD 7 millones en promedio durante  los últimos tres años), se ha venido recuperando y lo más 
importante , es que se trata de un flujo comercial de bienes con valor agregado . 
4.26.   Los flujos de inversión también juegan un papel importante, teniendo un acumulado de 
inversión bilateral cercano a los USD  4.000  millones, desde 1994.  
4.27.   En cuanto a turismo, si bien nuestras cifras son reducidas, reconocemos que es un sector con 
una importante potencialidad en el desarrollo de nuestros países y podrían existir áreas de trabajo  
juntos.  
4.28.   En este EPC ha llamado la atención de Colombia la información recibida sobre algunas medidas 
relacionadas con la facilitación del comercio. Me refiero en particul ar a que en su Plan de 
Recuperación Económica y Transformación se promovió el Programa de Comerciantes de Confianza 
con el objetivo de agilizar y facilitar el despacho de mercancías.  
4.29.   Asimismo , fue de nuestro interés saber si el Programa de Comerciantes de  Confianza otorgado 
a los importadores, el cual entendemos tiene el alcance del Programa de Operadores Autorizados 
establecidos en el Acuerdo de Facilitación del Comercio de la OMC, será extendido a otros operadores 
de la cadena como los exportadores o age ncias de aduanas o incluso si se prevé tener a futuro 
Acuerdos de Reconocimiento Mutuo con el fin de ampliar las prerrogativas otorgadas a los 
importadores que hacen parte del programa.  
4.30.   De otro lado, y pasando a asuntos de índole arancelario, se indica en el informe que Barbados 
ofrece una amplia gama de concesiones arancelarias y fiscales a los importadores, sobre lo cual WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 15 - 
 
  resulta de interés conocer información adicional sobre estas concesiones, así como los 
procedimientos y requisitos para que los importad ores puedan acceder a ellas.  
4.31.   Finalmente, y haciendo referencia a políticas comerciales sectoriales, en particular agricultura, 
el informe señala medidas relacionadas con seguridad alimentaria y que el marco del Programa de 
Incentivos Agrícolas se ofrecen v arios incentivos a los agricultores y a las organizaciones agrícolas. 
Colombia agradece a Barbados compartir información sobre el alcance de estas políticas.  
4.32.   Finalizo valorando el compromiso de Barbados con el sistema multilateral de comercio y con 
sus pri ncipios fundacionales. A nivel bilateral, nuestros lazos diplomáticos, comerciales y de 
cooperación se han venido fortaleciendo progresivamente.  
4.33.   Por ello le deseo a Barbados y a su delegación un exitoso cierre del proceso de examen de 
sus políticas comerciales y agradezco a la Secretaría y las autoridades de Barbados en la elaboración 
de los informes que han sido presentados en esta oportunidad.  
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 prep aration for this review. I 
would also like to express my gratitude to the discussant, H .E. Ambassador Dr  Asim Ahmed for his 
insightful remarks. Let me also thank the Secretariat for their hard work.  
4.35.   China commends Barbados ' remarkable efforts in implementi ng its social economic strategy 
since the last Review in 2015. These efforts include improving productivity and diversifying the 
economy, achieving fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability, achieving a fossil -fuel-free economy, 
supporting the multilate ral 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, Barbado s' 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 
reaches over USD 15,000 according to the World  Bank statistics, maintaining a relatively high level 
in the region. Howev er, the economic growth of Barbados was strongly affected by external 
challenges including the COVID -19 pandemic and the eruption of the volcano on the nearby island. 
In 2020, the real GDP declined by 14%. With Barbados ' various development policies to res pond to 
the pandemic, its economy achieved a moderate growth with a year -on-year increase of 0.7% 
in 2021. China sincerely hopes that Barbados 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 reached 
around USD 254 million in 2021 with an increase of 169.5% year on year. It has largely exceeded WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 16 - 
 
  the pre -pandemic levels. Furthermore, as the Ambassador of Barbados to China pointed out, the 
Belt and R oad Initiative and the China International Import Expo have helped more products and 
services from Barbados enter into the Chinese market, and he expected closer cooperation between 
our two nations. China is also willing to work with Barbados to promote our bilateral economic and 
trade cooperation to a new level.  
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 
multilateralism, promoting high -level opening -up, and striving 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 clo se cooperation with other WTO Members 
including Barbados 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 sub mitted questions to Barbados. We appreciate the timely r eplies,  
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 believe it is important to also underscore the 
context within whi ch 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 is long and the ramifications on any 
economy, quite real. Th e 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 improve 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 increas e 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 demon strations 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 Declaration 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 initiatives on electronic commerce, on MSMEs WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 17 - 
 
  and on services domestic regulation; and to participate actively in the implementation of the second 
phase of the Buenos  Aires Declaration.  
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 administrative processes to enc ourage 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 
licensing and to seek tech nical 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 full use of this prefe rential 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 touc hed 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 wou ld 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 previous Trade Policy Review in 2015. The Barbados Economic Recovery and 
Transformation (BERT) Plan focuses on improving productivity and diversi fying the economy, as well 
as achieving fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability. Barbados' average annual rate 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 tou rism. However, since 2021 the GDP is growing with a gradual 
return of tourism.  
4.59.   Barbados is highly vulnerable to external shocks due to limited economic diversification, and 
high reliance on imports of goods. This vulnerability has shown in the economic har dship provoked 
by both natural disasters, such as the ash falls from the La  Soufri ère volcano eruption in 2021, as 
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 Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD) and the Fossil 
Fuel Subsidy Reform.  
4.61.   EU and Barbados have strong tra de relationship anchored in the Economic Partnership 
Agreement applied for the last 14  years. This is a trade and development agreement offering 
duty-free-quota free access to the EU markets for CARIFORUM. The agreement has a strong regional WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 18 - 
 
  dimension and in addition to trade in goods, it covers also trade in services and investments and 
provisions on trade -related issues (including competition, innovation and intellectual property, GIs, 
transparency in public procurement and trade and sustainable developme nt). 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, improv ing transparency over the applied 
preferential rates and to upgrade its applied HS nomenclature to the HS22 version.  
4.63.   In the current 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 
congratulate you on your role to foster regional trade in the Caribbean. Regional integration and 
sustainable growth would play an importa nt 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 c ontinued 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 technologies 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 fu rther clarification of Barbados ' dual-licensing regime for imports as well as current 
and future procedures related to the importation 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 certainty 
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 comprehensi ve Report as well as to 
you Chair and the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Dr  Asim Ahmed for h is 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 additi on 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 effor t to pursue 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.  WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 19 - 
 
  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 . 
4.73.   Brazil  and Barbados have a long -standing bilat eral 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 contributed 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 improvemen ts, 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 questions 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 Policy 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 econom ic challenges with a large 
current account deficit and public debt, but committed to an open trade policy as a key plank 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 champion 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 its policy 
statement to liberali zed international trade and its avers ion to trade barriers, despite the additional 
economic stresses caused by a global pandemic, a volcanic eruption, and two  significant climatic 
events in 2021.  WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 20 - 
 
  4.84.   Additionally, prudent fiscal solutions implemented since 2018 (such as the BERT Plan) have 
demon strated 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 
effectiveness of Barbados ' fiscal consolidation path response.  
4.85.   We also not e 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 economy 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 neutrali ty 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, an d 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 p leasure 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 outstanding WTO notifications. We are 
sympathetic and receptive to Memb ers' 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. Notifications are a vital WTO transparency component, and their value is high ly 
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 developments in the United  Kingdom and in the 
Caribbean region, an d 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, trade in goods and services, and geographical indications. The par ties 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 inclusive 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 Barbados 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 Business 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 . WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 21 - 
 
  4.94.   As founding Members 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 recent the years to facilitate trade 
includ ing the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  For instance, through various 
initiatives to modernize its cust oms administration , including the New Customs Act . 
4.96.   We underscore Barbados commitment in pursuing the agenda for small, vulnerable eco nomies 
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 climate 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 its  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 s uccess 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 and the Secretariat team for the arrangements for this meeting, 
especially the preparation of the comprehensive Report Jamaica . 
4.105.   Jamaica welcomes the perspective of H .E. Dr Asim Ahmed (Maldives)  our discussion and 
thank 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 the 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 the shared commitment towards deepening our relationship in the areas of 
sports and sports  administration, and the sharing of  best practices experience from Jamaica's stock 
exchange.  
4.108.   We commend Barbados ' continue d commitment to deepening regional integration, 
particularly through its stewardship of the  portfolio on the single marke t 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 t hat 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 that international trade is an effective tool 
for achieving its national socio -economic  objectives, including sustainable national  development.  WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 22 - 
 
  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 stren gthening the Organization is demonstrated by its active participation in the 
discussions on critical issues on the WTO agenda, such as services, e -commerce, agriculture,  and 
WTO reform.  
4.111.   Jamaica, therefore, is especially pleased with the strong leadership r ole played by current 
and former members of the delegation of Barbados, notably former Ambassador Chad  Blackman, 
who chaired the  Trade and Environment and Trade and Development 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 successful outcome of the MC12  in June of this year . We look forward to a c ontinued 
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 erupti on of La  Soufrière 
volcano,  Barbados continues to pursue its economic revival expansion and sustainability through 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 embarking on restructuring its economy and for the 
government's efforts in implementing its Medium -Term Strategic Plan, the Barbados Economic 
Recovery a nd Transformation Plan (BERT). These actions which aim to address structural issues such 
as the high -debt levels 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 r esulted in severe dislocation in key 
sectors of  economy, including tourism, and adversely affected the progress that was achieved in 
various business sectors.  
4.116.   Nevertheless, we commend the quick action taken by the authorities, including the 
implementation  of the Barbados Employment and Sustainable  Transformation Plan (BEST)  to 
alleviate the difficulties of those affected through its Barbados optional saving scheme . The ongoing 
efforts by the Government to alleviate th is sector specific difficulties  should be supported . 
4.117.   The government's support highlighted 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 sup port the call for greater support to be 
provided 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 en suring 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.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 23 - 
 
  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 Revi ew 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.  
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 peoples . 
4.123.   Under the Indian Vaccine Maitri Programme, I ndia 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 in financial yea r 2021 -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, agricu lture, tourism, and infrastructure development.  
4.126.   As brought out in the Secretariat Report, since the last Review the economic growth in 
Barbados has remained sluggish and Barbados too, like most world economies, has been hit hard 
by the COVID -19 pandemic. M ajor 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 these economic challenges, we are happy to note that there are a numb er of 
initiatives which have either been implemented or a re 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 comm itment 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 programmes and other areas of negotiation.   
4.130.   Finally,  to conclude we look forward to working together with Barbados if further  expanding 
and fostering our bilateral 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 Sta te 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 to tal 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% WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 24 - 
 
  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 direction for its economic reform. We hope 
that various initiatives based on this plan will lead to further economi c development in Barbados . 
4.134.   Japan supports Barbados to pursue its economic development through external trade, 
including its efforts in recent years for an expansion of trade relations with Africa and the Middle  East 
countries.  
4.135.   Japan and Barbados are import ant partners sharing fundamental values, and have long 
nurtured friendly relations, this year celebrating the 55th anniversary of the establishment 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 strengthening our capacity of resilience in 
natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tsunamis, and earthquakes . 
4.137.   Introduct ion 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 ove rcome such 
vulnerabilities.  
4.138.   While the trade volume between Barbados and Japan is not large compared with those of 
the major trading partners of Barbados, like the U nited States, CARICOM countries, the 
European  Union, we nevertheless have presence of Japane se 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 Fo reign 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 Plastics Pollution and Environmentally 
Sustainable Plastics Trade.  
4.140.   The Report by the Secretariat states that Barbados h as 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 suc cessful and fruitful Trade Policy 
Review.  
REPÚBLICA BOLIVARIANA DE VENEZUELA  
4.142.   La delegación de la República  Bolivariana de Venezuela desea saludar a la delegación de la 
República de Barbados encabezada por la Honorable Sra. Cheryl  Sandra  V. Husbands, Minist ra de 
Estado en Comercio Exterior y Desarrollo de Empresarial , así como agradecer a l ponente, Embajador 
Dr. Asim Ahmed (Maldivas), por el análisis presentado que nos coloca en contexto y también a la 
Secretaría por la organización y documentación.  
4.143.   Iniciam os nuestra intervención recordando los lazos históricos de hermandad y de 
cooperación comercial que nos han unido con Barbados desde hace más de 50  años, las cuales han 
logrado vencer barreras culturales e ideológicas interpuestas por el idioma, generando una 
conciencia con objetivos enfocados en la consolidación de la integración caribeña.  
4.144.   Desde hace varios años, ambos países vienen trabajado en una agenda de cooperación que 
apunta a fortalecer el multilateralismo como estrategia para garantizar la paz y la seguridad de los 
pueblos del mundo ante imperios que pretenden socavarlos, en la que se ratifican los lazos de 
respeto y defensa de los principios de independencia y soberanía.  WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 25 - 
 
  4.145.   Sobre el informe presentado por la Secretaría de la OMC , correspondiente al  cuarto examen 
de la política comercial de Barbados, observamos con preocupación que la economía de ese país se 
vio muy afectada por la pandemia de  la COVID -19, considerando la dependencia a las importaciones 
de bienes y la exportación de servicios, en par ticular el turismo, así como el aumento del déficit por 
cuenta corriente que alcanzó USD 528,5  millones en el 2021, es decir, el 5,4% del PIB.  
4.146.   En cuanto a los procesos multilaterales que se han realizado en Ginebra, deseamos destacar 
la activa participació n de Barbados en la XV  Conferencia de la UNCTAD, de la cual fue anfitriona de 
manera virtual como consecuencia de la pandemia de  la COVID -19, así como su actuación en la 
XII Conferencia Ministerial, en defensa de la posición de los países en desarrollo, especialmente en 
la urgencia de abordar los efectos del cambio climático.  
4.147.   Al desearle a la República de Barbados un exitoso examen de política comercial, queremos 
finalizar nuestra intervención reafirmando nuestra mejor voluntad de estrechar lo s lazos 
comerciales, así como el compromiso compartido con la conformación de un sistema de comercio 
multilateral, robusto, solidario, justo y predecible, basado en normas comunes y transparentes.  
HONDURAS  
4.148.   Honduras le da la más cordial bienvenida a toda l a delegación de Barbados, encabezados 
por su jefe de delegación, su excelencia la Honorable Sra. Cheryl Sandra V. Husbands, Ministra de 
Estado en Comercio Exterior y Desarrollo de Empresarial,  y extendemos nuestro reconocimiento a 
nuestros colegas en Gineb ra por su excelente labor, al tiempo que les agradecemos por su 
declaración y su informe.  
4.149.   Nuestro agradecimiento a usted , Presidente , por su conducción y orientación, al ponente, 
por sus valiosos aportes y a la Secretaría de la OMC por el excelente trabajo  realizado.  
4.150.   Nuestro país se congratula de participar en este ejercicio de transparencia y nos satisface 
observar que Barbados es considerado el país más rico y uno de los más desarrollados del Caribe 
Oriental y disfruta de uno de los ingresos per cápita má s altos de la región.  
4.151.   Asimismo, notamos que , en el 2021 Barbados ocupó el 29no lugar del índice de percepción 
de corrupción de Transparencia Internacional, obteniendo, uno de los mejores puestos de la región 
del Caribe.  
4.152.   Históricamente, la economía de Barba dos dependía del cultivo de caña de azúcar y 
actividades relacionadas. Sin embargo, hemos observado como en los últimos años la economía se 
ha diversificado hacia la industria ligera y el turismo. Asimismo, los servicios financieros y de 
información extrat erritoriales, son importantes generadores de divisas.  
4.153.   Según las estadísticas de 2021, la producción nacional cubre una gran parte de la demanda 
de pollo, y en menor medida, de carne de porcino y son autosuficientes en tubérculos y huevos.  
4.154.   Los informes dest acan, los importantes esfuerzos realizados por las autoridades de Barbados 
para recortar el déficit y entrar en una senda de consolidación fiscal a fin de detener el aumento de 
la deuda pública.  
4.155.   Barbados es un receptor neto de inversión extranjera directa en la que las corrientes se 
dirigen principalmente a los servicios financieros y al sector del turismo y otras actividades 
relacionadas con los viajes.  
4.156.   En este último sector, notamos la puesta e n marcha de iniciativas de comercialización 
basadas en tecnologías digitales, la creación de un programa de turismo virtual y el desarrollo de 
una estrategia de comercialización competitiva.  
4.157.   De los informes se desprende que , en 2019 Barbados adoptó la Polí tica Energética Nacional 
2019-2030, que establece el ambicioso objetivo de reemplazar los combustibles fósiles por energía 
renovable con miras a alcanzar un uso de energía renovable del 100% y la neutralidad en emisiones 
de carbono para 2030.  WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 26 - 
 
  4.158.   En cuanto a nuestras relaciones bilaterales, Barbados y Honduras gozan de una sólida 
relación diplomática de más de 30 años.  
4.159.   Con relación a nuestro comercio bilateral, durante 2021, exportamos a Barbados alrededor 
de USD 792.000 en madera y sus manufacturas y tabaco e importamos más de USD 159.000 en 
productos diversos de las industrias químicas, aceites esenciales y resinoides.  
4.160.   A nivel regional, destacamos la Declaración Conjunta de la Cuarta Cumbre de Jefes de Estado 
y de Gobierno de la Comunidad del Caribe y del Sistema de la Integración Centroamericana, 
adaptada en marzo del presente año, donde las partes incluyeron compromisos para fortalecer la 
consulta en política exterior, colaborar activamente en asuntos de desarrollo socioeconómico, 
incluidos el turismo , el comercio y la inversión; y elevar la cooperación en salud pública, cambio 
climático, desastres naturales y prevención así como la gestión integral de riesgos entre otros 
asuntos.  
4.161.   Nuestros países comparten objetivos de políticas tales como los de promo ver y facilitar el 
desarrollo del comercio internacional, mejorar la competitividad y aplicar el programa de la OMC 
relativo a las economías pequeñas y vulnerable entre otros.  
4.162.   Finalmente, Honduras reconoce los aportes, logros y la activa participación de B arbados en 
la OMC y les deseamos el mayor de los éxitos en la presentación de su cuarto examen de las políticas 
comerciales.  
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA ON B EHALF 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 th e WTO Members of  the Organization of Eastern 
Caribbean States (OEC S). This statement is also 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 Rev iew 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 c onvey our compliments to the Secretariat for the comprehensive 
Report which has been provided. We also extend our appreciation to the discussant for his insightful 
commentary . 
4.166.   Since its independence in 1966,  Barbados has been a leader among small island de veloping 
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 impacts of climate change and natural disasters, the economic fallout from the 
COVID -19 pandemic, and the expanding public debt, point to  the peculiar vulnerabilities facin g 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 ne ed to ensure that they are provided with an environment which is more 
accommodating of 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 economies 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 c reate a single market 
and economy . 
4.168.   Within CARICOM, the OECS region is among Barbados' largest trading partners. In this 
connection, the economic well -being of our member States is inextricably tied to the economic WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 27 - 
 
  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 OECS. Negotiations 
were, in fact, ongoing during the attendance of the then Prime  Minister of Barbados at various 
meeting s of the OECS authorit ies or heads of Government. Whatever may have been the cause for 
the abandonment of the courtship, I wish to assure the delegation of Barbados that we in the OECS 
bear no ill will and we would in fact welcome any sign of renewed inter est. 
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, enhancing 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 others . 
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.   Tout d'abord, Madagascar souhaite la bienvenue aux membres de la délégation de la 
Barbade conduite par S.E. Mme. Cheryl Sandra V. Husbands, Ministre d'Etat en charge du commerce 
extérieur et du développement des entreprises.  
4.172.   Madagascar tient à féliciter l a Barbade pour l'établissement du présent rapport dans le cadre 
de l'examen de sa politique commerce, et notamment pour les initiatives visant à faciliter et à 
améliorer le climat des affaires et à promouvoir les échanges. Dans cet esprit, un accent partic ulier 
est mis sur l'innovation, l'information, la communication et les technologies intelligentes, et la 
législation relative à l'insolvabilité.  
4.173.   Dans ce contexte, aussi bien les entrepreneurs locaux que les investisseurs étrangers 
bénéficient des réformes commerciales qui améliorent l'efficacité institutionnelle et structurelle par 
l'amélioration des procédures touchant la circulation des marchandises, sur la base de l'Accord pour 
la Facilitation des échanges (AFE). Cela s'est concrétisé non seulement à tra vers la mise en place de 
plusieurs initiatives telles que le lancement d'un programme d'opérateurs de confiance et la mise en 
œuvre de procédures de traitement avant arrivée qui accélère le dédouanement des marchandises, 
mais également à travers le projet de mise en œuvre d'un guichet unique électronique national pour 
le commerce.  
4.174.   Madagascar salue les initiatives au sein des principaux secteurs de l'économie qui sont 
toujours orientées vers le développement des échanges pour soutenir la croissance et le 
développement.  
4.175.   Ainsi dans le secteur de l'agriculture, la résilience du gouvernement par rapport à la situation 
de sècheresse subie par la région des Caraïbes pendant la période allant de 2014 à 2020, a vue ou 
verra la mise en œuvre d'initiatives telles que l e Programme FEED en faveur de l'autonomisation et 
de l'émancipation des agriculteurs, l'initiative de restructuration de l'industrie sucrière et celle du 
développement de l'industrie ovine.  
4.176.   Le secteur manufacturier a quant à lui vu la mise en conformité de  textes législatifs avec les 
engagements de la Barbade au sein de l'OMC. Dans cet esprit, plusieurs textes relatifs à la fiscalité 
ont fait l'objet de modification ou d'abrogation.  
4.177.   Le secteur touristique de la Barbade a par ailleurs subit de plein fouet l es conséquences de 
la pandémie de COVID -19: comptant pour 17,5% du PIB en 2019, cette part ne représente que 
6,2% en 2020 et chute jusqu'à 2,8% en 2021. En termes de valeurs, la contribution du tourisme en 
enregistré une baisse de 71 % en une année, entre 2019 et 2020.  
4.178.   Le gouvernement de la Barbade a cependant adopté des mesures dont Madagascar peut 
largement s'inspirer pour relancer son secteur touristique. Des mesures telles que  WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 28 - 
 
  • L'allocation des moyens nécessaires pour financer la formation et la réinté gration de 
travailleurs, déployer des technologies permettant des gains d'efficacité et permettre aux 
entreprises de maintenir leurs activités;  
• La formation des travailleurs employés directement ou indirectement dans le secteur du 
tourisme et de l'hébergement, et l'amélioration de leurs compétences ou la reconversion, 
dans le cadre de l'Initiative de formation nationale (NTI),  
4.179.   Madagascar relève que la Barbade a procédé à l'abolition d'entités et de modifications 
relatives à des textes concernant l es entreprises internationales afin de d'honorer leurs engagements 
internationaux, notamment la Convention multilatérale pour la mise en œuvre des mesures relatives 
aux conventions fiscales pour prévenir l'érosion de la base d'imposition et le transfert de  bénéfices, 
et de renforcer son attractivité en tant que centre mondial d'affaires.  
4.180.   Il sied de mentionner que la Barbade a du faire face à un contexte défavorable outre la 
pandémie, le pays a en effet subit les conséquences d'une éruption volcanique et div ers aléas 
climatique en 2021. Mais malgré les conséquences de la COVID -19 et sa vulnérabilité climatique, la 
Barbade a toujours œuvré en faveur du commerce international et n'a pas mis en place des obstacles 
au commerce qui auraient pu entraver les échange s. 
4.181.   Pour terminer, Madagascar tient à souligner que l'esprit d'ouverture de la Barbade est 
fidèlement reflété par sa participation très active au niveau de toutes les instances du système 
commercial multilatéral, et en particulier au sein de l'OMC.  
KENYA O N 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 B usiness Development , and her 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 the 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 chara cterized by 
trade development 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 ec onomy, 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 an d 58,426 in 2021. Around 41 ,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 inclu de 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, Barbados 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 WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 29 - 
 
  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 retrainin g 
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 transitioni ng 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 agriculture sector, th e 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 n ote 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 interest 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 ' interest in the 
Caribbean Basin Initiative, which will benefit its export earnings as well as s trengthen opportunities 
for its nationals.  
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, development, 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 
Secret ariat 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 prominen t 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 opportunity to thank the Permanent Missio n 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 economy 
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 in 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 and the CARICOM r egion 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 . WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 30 - 
 
  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 Commu nity look s forward to a positive upswing of the tourism secto r 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 
CARIFORUM -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 strengthening of these 
agreements to ensure that small island developing states , such as Barbados , can maximize the 
benefits to be derived from such arrangements . 
4.199.   In closing , the CARICOM Group wishes  the delegation of Barbados continued success as it 
seeks to further integrate its economy into multi lateral 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 Governm ent 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 t he 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 integrati on. 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 delega tion 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 lik e to take note of Barbados' economic recovery and 
transformation plan, which has focused on improving productivity and diversifying the economy as 
well as achieving fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability. In the short term, it may be hard work 
entail ing pain.  However, in the long -term Barbados would see a fruitful result. The Republic of Korea WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 31 - 
 
  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 re sources 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 an d 
public debt, is one of the most important elements for flourishing international trade and to overcome 
unexpected external shocks. Barbados has been r egistering  structural deficit during the past two 
decades, which has resulted in rising public debt and reduce the Government 's ability  to respond to 
external shocks. The fiscal balance 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 indicat es 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 debt 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 ac count 
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 
are of utmost importance to Barbados' economy. Foreign  direct investment focusing on the tourism 
industry, perhaps to develop the services 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 eff ect of FDI, for example, it may 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 supports for Barbados to explore all new sectors complement the tou rism industry, which 
contribute directly 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 discussions 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 se rvices and green energy sectors 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.   Mis autoridades me han pedido transmita sus saludos a la honorable delegación presidida 
por la Ministra Cheryl Sandra  V. Husbands, así como al Sr. Ricardo Kellman, Sra. Shani Griffith -Jack 
y todo el equipo con quienes trabajam os cercanamente en Ginebra.  
4.213.   Por otro lado, queremos destacar los dos informes presentados con ocasión de este examen 
y reconocer los importantes aportes realizados por el Embajador Asim Ahmed como ponente de este 
examen. Un agradecimiento y felicitación a la Secretaría por el gran trabajo durante este examen 
de las políticas comerciales.  
4.214.   Ecuador considera a Barbados un socio estratégico en varias áreas de sus relaciones 
internacionales, con inclusión de la comercial e inversiones. Ambos países han alcanzado  resultados 
mutuamente ventajosos y trabajan de la mano en varias áreas de importancia para el sistema 
multilateral del comercio.  
4.215.   Barbados y Ecuador colideran el Diálogo sobre contaminación por plásticos en la OMC, que 
hoy cuenta con 75 Miembros y que ha i dentificado áreas en las que coopera activamente con otros 
foros y procesos internacionales, como la UNEA.  
4.216.   Además , ambos países trabajamos conjuntamente en el programa de trabajo de las 
economías pequeñas y vulnerables.  WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 32 - 
 
  4.217.   Barbados es un Miembro activo en el  ámbito multilateral del comercio, un Miembro que 
consideramos un líder en varias áreas, tales como comercio, ambiente y desarrollo sostenible, 
comercio electrónico, reforma , entre otros . Mi país reconoce los esfuerzos de Barbados por impulsar 
conversacion es necesarias sobre el desarrollo sostenible. En 2021, y a pesar de que aún pesaban 
en el mundo las restricciones a causa de la pandemia por COVID -19, Barbados organizó como sede 
virtual la 15a Conferencia de la UNCTAD, que dio como resultado el Pacto de B ridgetown.  
4.218.   Durante este año y hasta hace pocos días, Barbados ha sido además presidente del G77 y 
China - capítulo Ginebra. El Ecuador como parte de ese grupo de negociación, activo en UNCTAD, 
valora el gran empeño de Barbados para liderar los debates sobre  desarrollo en Ginebra  
4.219.   Entre los aspectos a destacar sobre el avance en materia de propiedad intelectual, se puede 
resaltar que el 1  de abril de 2020, Barbados depositó el instrumento de aceptación del Protocolo de 
Enmienda del Acuerdo de los ADPIC. Así, B arbados ratificó su compromiso para hacer frente a los 
problemas de salud pública y el comercio que afligen a los países en desarrollo y menos adelantados.  
4.220.   En relación con sectores específicos, Ecuador celebra las políticas que Barbados ha tomado, 
principa lmente desde el 2021, para la protección de la sostenibilidad y evaluación de sus recursos 
pesqueros. En este sentido compartimos varios elementos de su posición en el marco de las 
negociaciones sobre subsidios a la pesca particularmente la protección de l a pesca artesanal  - por 
su sensibilidad socioeconómica  - un adecuado y efectivo trato especial y diferenciado , así como la 
necesidad de contar con asistencia técnica y construcción de capacidades adecuadas que permitan 
cumplir con sus objetivos de sostenibilidad y desarrollo económico.  
4.221.   En cuanto a inversiones, vemos que éstas tienen un papel sustancial en la economía de 
Barbados, que ha enfocado sus esfuerzos en generar un ambiente favorable para este tipo de 
actividad y ha conseguido posicionarse c omo un atractivo destino de inversión extranjera directa en 
el Caribe.  
4.222.   Actualmente el turismo , el sector más importante para la inversión  en Barbados, tiene una  
estrategia nacional de crecimiento y desarrollo cuyo enfoque esperamos sea aplicado a otros 
sectores  productivos y de exportación. En este esfuerzo, Ecuador considera que las discusiones sobre 
facilitación de inversiones al interior de esta Organización p odrían  ser un aporte positivo en esa 
dirección.  
4.223.   El Ecuador desea destacar el papel de Barbados como un actor esencial en el ámbito 
multilateral. Nos complace trabajar conjuntamente en varias áreas de interés mutuo en la OMC y 
deseamos el mayor de los éxitos en la ejecución de su cuarto examen de sus políticas comerciales.  
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 the 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 discussant 
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 a nd initiatives of the Government of Barbados for 
continued economic  transformation centred on trade, development 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 experienced 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 negatively 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 
programmes 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 WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 33 - 
 
  initiatives include the Farmers' Empowerment and Enfranchisemen t Drive or FEED Programme, 
restructuring of the sugar industry, development 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 programme and the development of a competitive marketing strategy. 
Other initiatives geared towards eradicating inefficient outdated pro cesses  and collapsing 
unnecessary bureaucratic la yers that make it difficult for local and for foreign inve stors are  
commendable . 
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 trading system.  We 
stand ready to continue working closely with Barbados and the rest of the Membership in view of 
WTO bodies and format s towards building a stronger multilateral trading system.  
4.232.   Nigeria con gratulate s the entire delegation of Barbados for their engagement, and we wish 
them a successful Trade Policy Review exercise.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 34 - 
 
  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 we ll 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 tha nks to the 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 Ambassador 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 issue s of critical 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 G overnment 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 sustaina bility.  
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 management 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 ensure 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 of 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 antic ipated that 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 p eriod. Barbados 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 industrial 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 hu b 
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 pro cess of updating 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 limited 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 importing commodities.  WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 35 - 
 
  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 also 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 en suring that 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 vulner able economies, 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 w ork 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 en suing criteria 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 Ba rbados' ratings 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 th ese 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 discussio ns at this 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 importance 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 t he 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/W/ 217 
 
- 36 - 
 
  of UNCTAD  15, as a clear demonstration 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 als o referred 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 meet 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 delegation 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 be ing 
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 Review of Barbados.  
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO  
5.24.   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 Busine ss Development , and those capital -based officials who have 
accompanied her. We extend to our 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 international 
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 o f this Organization.  
5.25.   In addition, C hair, we thank you for your astute steering of this meeting, as well as the 
Secretariat and the Government of Barbados for the preparation of their respective reports ahead 
of this review.  
5.26.   Trinidad and Tobago commends B arbados ' 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.  
5.27.   We also salute Barbados ' firm commitment to t he rules -based multilateral trading system. 
That commitment has been amply demonstrated in this house, through Prime Minister Mottley 's bold 
and thought -provoking inaugural WTO Presidential Lecture, Minister Walcott 's role as Vice -Chair and 
Minister Facili tator at MC12, former Ambassador Blackman 's chairmanship of the Committee on 
Trade and Environment and the Committee on Trade and Development, Barbados ' tireless work 
within the ACP Group on e -commerce and services, Barbados ' astute coordination of the CAR ICOM 
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.  
5.28.   Barbados has bee n 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.  WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 37 - 
 
  5.29.   We are all well aware that the COVID -19 pandemic has had devastating impacts on the SVEs 
of the Caribbean Regio n and elsewhere. In the face of these challenges, Barbados has demonstrated 
steadfast commitment to the pursuit of economic development and growth, with strong policies 
relating to economic transformation, characteri zed by trade development and debt restru cturing.  
5.30.   Key policy measures in this regard are enshrined in the 2018 Barbados Economic Recovery 
and Transformation (BERT) Plan, and we commend the Plan 's focus on boosting productivity, on 
economic diversification, on debt sustainability and on fiscal co nsolidation. The BERT Plan has the 
additional commendable objective of rebuilding reserves and increasing growth, an approach that 
Members in the region may wish to emulate.  
5.31.   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 affected Barbados ' debt burden, placing the 
country in the promising position it is in today. Notwithstand ing subsequent setbacks caused by the 
pandemic, the effectiveness of the BERT Plan and Barbados ' restructuring efforts became evident 
when public sector debt fell to 125% of GDP during the period 2018 -2019.  
5.32.   Trinidad and Tobago supports and applauds the si gning 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 Elect ronic Window would provide similarly -immense benefits as those 
realized by Trinidad and Tobago through implementation of our Single Window, TTBizLink, which 
has greatly improved the ease of doing business. As one of the first CARICOM member States to 
imple ment such a window, we stand ready to support our CARICOM neighbours in this regard.  
5.33.   The imperative for economic diversification has become increasingly urgent among SVEs, 
particularly as it relates to our ability to mitigate exogenous shocks. The Governme nt 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.  
5.34.   Finally, and in highlighting once again the challenges faced by SVEs, a llow 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 eme rging from the ravages of the COVID -19 pandemic.  
5.35.   In closing, Trinidad and Tobago applauds Barbados once again on its sterling efforts and 
congratulates the delegation in advance on the completion of a successful Review.  
CABO  VERDE  
5.36.   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 services and e -commerce.  
5.37.   We would like also to express appreciation to the WTO Secretariat, to t he Chair, and to the 
discussant Dr  Asim Ahmed  (Maldives).  
5.38.   The delegation of Cabo  Verde also expresses appreciation to Chad  Blackman in his role as the 
former Ambassador of Barbados to UN and other international organizations in Geneva.  
5.39.   We applaud the activ e 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.  
5.40.   Cabo Verde notes that is Barbados, a fellow small developing state (SID) and commends 
Barbados for its economic resilience against the backdrop of numerous global and regional 
challenges. These includes impact  from the unfortunate volcano eruptions in the Caribbean in 2021 WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 38 - 
 
  and drought conditions brought by El  Niño, which had a strong impact on local and regional 
economies. 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 participation in the WTO and 
multilateral trading system.  
5.41.   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 tourism 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.  
5.42.   To conclude, the delegation of Cabo  Verde wishes Barbados and its people success in their 
national endeavour to further integrate with the regional and global ec onomy. 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 businesses against the backdrop of climate catastrophes and 
numerous other global challenges.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.43.   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.  
5.44.   The United  States also appreci ates the guidance of the Chair and discussant, and the hard 
work of the Secretariat in preparing the reports, which made this review possible.  
5.45.   Barbados is an important partner of the U nited States, and we look forward to continuing our 
engagement with Bar bados bilaterally and at the WTO. Barbados 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 busin ess climate 
through ambitious national 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.  
5.46.   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 busine ss development and should not be viewed 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 
stakeholde rs on trade policy issues.  
5.47.   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 ' commi tment 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.  
5.48.   The United  States will e xplore working alongside Barbados to strengthen and deepen our 
bilateral trading relationship and once again we congratulate Barbadian delegation on a successful 
Trade Policy Review.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.49.   Let me first thank the Minister and the delegation of Barb ados for the responses provided to 
our advanced questions as well as very comprehensive overviews today and on the first day . The 
EU very much welcomes the useful  insight s that this review has provided into the reforms undertaken 
and progress achieved to e nsure 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. WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 39 - 
 
  5.50.   At the same time the exchanges in th is TPR have shown that there is some small room for 
improvement in terms of Barbados, 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 tra nsparency in notification obligations . 
5.51.   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.  
5.52.   In conclusion, the EU wou ld 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.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 217 
 
- 40 - 
 
  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CH AIRPERSON  
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 benefi ted 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, f rom 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 Review in 2015 Barbad os' 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 following 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 touri st 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 achieving debt susta inability, 
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 Barbados, Members commen ded 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 participation in, and cont ribution 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 and 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 the 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 several key areas, suc h 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 pendi ng 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 CARICOM region. The y 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 Barbados for its op en 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/W/ 217 
 
- 41 - 
 
  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 congra tulations to Barbados on 
the successful conclusion of its fourth  Trade Policy Review and thank all the delegations for their 
cooperation and assistance.  
__________