By: David Prendergast
March 11, 2022
I take this opportunity to welcome you to the Sixth Regional Meeting of CSME Focal Points. This meeting is particularly critical as we continue to intensify our efforts at implementing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) even as we take account the challenges experienced over the last two years with the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting also follows the recent adoption at the 33rd Intersessional Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government of the CSME Action Plan which gives direction on strengthening coordination in the implementation of the CSME.
Over the next two days, you will have a full agenda before you which is intended to consider recent developments, CSME Implementation Actions for 2022 – 2023 and updates on a range of issues, including some outstanding matters. This is also an important opportunity to hear from you as Focal Points on implementation at the country level, both in terms of progress and challenges and to look at how we can work through these.
An important aspect of our discussions will be on the roles and functions of the National CSME Focal Points and on the state-of-play. We recognise that following the designation of Focal Points, the roles and functions may have changed or shifted over the years and we look forward to the discussions, including the focus on any guidance and perspectives that can be shared.
I wish you well in your deliberations over the next two days and for fruitful outcomes of this meeting.
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