News

Representatives from member states of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) met in St. Kitts and Nevis during the month of March for a Growth Dialogue aimed at addressing the economic decline in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) over the past two decades.

 The forum which was held under the theme, “Working Together to Achieve Higher and More Inclusive Growth in the ECCU” afforded Social Partners the opportunity to directly engage the Monetary Council of the ECCB and other key development partners (namely OECS, World Bank, CDB) on the issue of economic growth and development, by identifying key challenges which they presently face and pinpointing opportunities which should be prioritized as part of the Growth Action Plan.

During the Growth Dialogue with Social Partners which was held at the ECCB Headquarters in March, 2017, the ECCU Growth Action Plan was drafted in an effort to address challenges related to growth, competitiveness and employment in the ECCU.

Representatives from regional bodies were amongst the participants at this event. These include members of Opposition Parties, representatives of Trade and Labour Unions, Religious bodies, Civil Society groups, the Private Sector and Youth Organisations.

As a follow up to this dialogue, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance are getting set to host a national consultation to discuss the ECCU Growth Action Plan on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference Room, 3rd Floor of the Administrative Complex, Kingstown.

The Objectives of this consultation will be to:    

• Identification a National Steering Committee consisting of the local focal point, the OECS Commission, the ECCB and representatives from the social partners;
• Obtain a consensus on the prioritized thematic areas and processes for implementation of Growth Action Plan in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines;
• Discuss and agree on the implementation schedule for the Action Plan;
• Establish processes to prioritize the proper monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the Action Plan;
• Report on implementation/deliverables.

What to expect:

• Remarks by the Minister Economic Planning, Sustainable Development, Industry, Information and Labour.
• Remarks by representatives of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
• Panel Discussion by National Social Partners who participated in the Growth Dialogue at ECCB Headquarters on March 1, 2017.
  
  
  

SOURCE: API