Joint Statement of the Ministerial Conference of the Fourth China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum
1. We, economic and trade ministers and representatives from the People’s Republic of China and Caribbean countries1, are here to hold the Ministerial Conference of the Fourth China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum from September 12 to 14, 2024, and exchange views on the high-quality development of China-Caribbean economic and trade relations in the new era.
2. We have examined the positive outcomes attained by the participants in implementing the six policy measures aimed at strengthening China-Caribbean relations since the Third China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the fruitful achievements in economic and trade cooperation between China and Caribbean countries.
3. We believe that China and Caribbean countries are good friends and good partners in pursuit of common development. Both parties are committed to deepening political mutual trust, enhancing economic and trade exchanges, fostering a comprehensive cooperative partnership based on mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and common development, and forging an even closer community of shared future on this basis.
4. We believe that the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative offer extensive opportunities for enhancing economic and trade cooperation between China and Caribbean countries. We are prepared to continue collaboration to further advance the high quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, implement the Global Development Initiative, and to enhance practical cooperation between China and Caribbean countries, which contributes to the stable and sustainable development of China and Caribbean countries, and accelerates the achievement of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
5. The Caribbean side highly values the remarkable achievements of Chinese modernization. And China is willing to share with Caribbean countries the new development opportunities brought by this modernization.
6. We believe that the existing bilateral economic and trade consultation mechanisms between China and Caribbean countries have played a crucial role in advancing the development of bilateral economic and trade relations. We are prepared to discuss, enhance and strengthen these mechanisms, fully leveraging their potential as platforms for practical cooperation.
7. We reiterate that the expansion of trade between China and Caribbean countries is a shared objective for all parties involved. Based on the principle of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, we will continue to enhance trade facilitation and liberalization. To this end, we encourage relevant departments to strengthen cooperation in sanitary and phytosanitary inspection and quarantine, medical and healthcare, tourism, e-commerce, standards and conformity assessment. Furthermore, we encourage trade promotion agencies and business associations from both sides to bolster collaboration in order to further facilitate unimpeded trade between China and Caribbean countries. We are committed to maintaining dialogue on China-Caribbean free trade cooperation.
8. We believe that the various special exhibitions hosted by China and Caribbean countries have facilitated the entry of products and services into each other’s markets. Both sides are committed to promoting competitive products through exhibitions and other platforms, and enhancing exchanges and cooperation between enterprises. We commend the efforts of the China-Caribbean Business Council. China welcomes continued participation of Caribbean countries in the China International Import Expo, China Import and Export Fair, China International Fair for Trade in Services, Global Digital Trade Expo, and other exhibitions. The Caribbean side will actively participate and support companies’ involvement in these exhibitions.
9. We believe that investment cooperation plays a crucial role in advancing production technology, enhancing industrial sectors and industrial chains, and improving the welfare of people. We are committed to promoting mutual investment between enterprises from both sides in areas such as food production, green development, digital economy, blue economy, new infrastructure, renewable energy, information and communications technology, transportation and tourism. China welcomes continued participation of Caribbean countries in the China International Fair for Investment and Trade, as well as relevant events and exhibitions within the framework of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Forum. This includes the China-Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Infrastructure Forum and the China-LAC Business Summit. The Caribbean side will actively participate in these events, encourage and support their respective companies’ participation and promote relevant policies, investment environment, and cooperation projects.
10. We are satisfied with the achievements of development cooperation between China and Caribbean countries. The Caribbean side appreciates the various types of assistance provided by China without any political conditions and acknowledges its significant role in Caribbean economic and social development. China will continue to offer help and support to the best of its ability to Caribbean countries, enhance the exchange of development experience, implement effectively various assistance projects, and further improve the effectiveness of assistance. In line with the needs of Caribbean countries, China will continue to provide multilateral, bilateral, academic, and degree training opportunities to help cultivate talents and establish a network for promoting learning and exchange.
11. We are determined to strengthen cooperation and dialogue in the framework of the WTO; strengthen coordination between China and Caribbean country members in negotiations and discussions on economic and trade issues in multilateral fora; jointly uphold the rules-based, open, non-discriminatory, transparent and inclusive multilateral trading system; firmly oppose unilateralism and trade protectionism; ensure a free, non-discriminatory, transparent, inclusive, predictable and stable trade and investment environment; maintain open markets; jointly safeguard the legitimate interests of developing members; jointly safeguard the security and stability of international industrial and supply chains; actively participate in the WTO reform; promote the WTO to play a greater role; and work to make the international economic order more equitable, just and beneficial for all.
12. We are satisfied with the positive outcomes of this Forum. Both sides appreciate Hainan Province of China for the meticulous arrangement for the Forum and the proposal to establish Boao as the permanent site of the Forum. China thanks Grenada, as the rotating chair of the CARICOM, for actively coordinating the participation of members in the Forum.
13. We agree to maintain active communication on the time and location of the Fifth Forum.
————————————————————
Caribbean countries in this Joint Statement refer to participating Caribbean countries in the Ministerial Conference of the Fourth China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, which include: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago.
Source: Ministry of Commerce
