2017 WTO/SRC/UWI Regional Trade Policy Course for Caribbean Members and Observers

Barbados, 2 May – 23 June 2017

As a Trade Policy Officer, the RTPC prepared me a lot for my future job

prospects of becoming a part of the negotiations team of Cuba regarding

WTO issues. The course was also good preparation for my current work

activities. I also found the regional perspective to be very interesting.

RTPC has greatly expanded my knowledge on the Multilateral Agreements and how

they are to be applied during my normal course of duty at the Ministry of Trade and

Industry. Specifically, when formulating domestic trade policies and analyzing the trade

and investment policies of other countries. It has also allowed me to appreciate the

benefits of regionalism and increased my awareness of regional issues.

The RTPC has prepared me for getting more involved on WTO matters

administered by my workplace (The Central Bank). The course has also

encouraged me to keep studying trade related matters in order to contribute

to my countries development.

I believe that the RTPC has been important in my preparation because it

will allow me to perform better in the tasks that the foreign ministry of

my country can assign to me in the future.

The RTPC has given me knowledge on WTO Agreements which will

enhance my effectiveness on trade matters at work.

For my next step, I believe the course will allow me to make better

decisions when I participate in trade negotiations for my country.

This course has given me a better understanding of the policies and

agreements that involve the members of the WTO. In addition to allowing

me to know about the functioning of the region.

The course has significantly enhanced my ability to help/lead and coordinate

WTO Accession process; especially regarding preparation of Schedule of

Concessions and Schedule of Commitments. I can also share information with

the Ministry of Finance regarding WTO informational tools and databases,

technical assistance and S&D provisions applicable to the Bahamas.

The RTPC has prepared me to be able to better analyze trade issues

within my work environment.

The RTPC will assist me in understanding the workings of the WTO

which will allow me to negotiation and secure the rights of Haiti.

The RTPC has significantly increased my knowledge of both international and

regional issues and concepts. Additionally, it has stabilized and cemented my

thoughts and plans for the further development of my work in trade in

services and trade in general. The need for full developmental plan as I

forge ahead has remained in my mind and will remain.

I have a deeper understanding of the covered agreements and how to use

the legal text.

The RTPC has opened my way of thinking. The knowledge I have gained

would better equip me with the tools I need to carry out my customs duty

in a more efficient way. I am looking forward to further WTO/RTPC

training so I can be in a position to teach my co-workers what I have

learned

The RTPC has definitely increased my knowledge and autonomy of the

Multilateral Agreements. This will allow me to be more involved in

addressing trade issues of my country that are in relation to the WTO as

well as those that affect us as a region on a whole.

I will be proceeding on to my masters program in South Korea in August,

2017. I will be studying towards MPP in Trade and Industrial Policy. The

RTPC has given me the requisite basic knowledge to potentially excel in the

program. Effectively, I am a well rounded Trade Analyst as a result of this

course.

I have been equipped with a greater understanding of the

implementation/application of the provisions in the Multilateral Trade

Agreements and hence will enhance my efficiency in the dispensation of

my duties related to trade agreements.

The RTPC has made me more equipped and knowledgeable in the area of

trade policy. As a result, going forward I am in a better position to

contribute efficiently and effectively in meeting the mission of the

organization where I work as well as to the region.

As a professional new to the area of trade, this course and experience

was exceptional. It has given me an understanding of the WTO system

which I believe prepares me to tackle my job responsibilities at a new

technical level and with a firm grasp of the serious obligations and

responsibilities I have as an official in my country.

The RTPC course has given me the necessary understanding of the WTO

Agreements in the multilateral context and their relevance in the regional

context.

This course has provided me with a good foundation of WTO knowledge to

enable me to better undertake my recently assumed position in the

Ministry of Foreign Trade Department. I believe I am now better prepared

to embark on more advanced courses in International Trade.

The RTPC has exposed me to the intricacies of various dimensions of

International Trade and I feel better equipped to handle the

responsibilities and challenges that I may face. While I was skeptical about

leaving my family for eight weeks, I have no regrets.