A message from the EPA Coordinator
THANK YOU for this virtual visit! I am excited to welcome you to the best place to find information on the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) signed by the Government of Saint Lucia. Here, you will discover new opportunities to establish and or expand your international footprint.
On this page, explore the CARIFORUM-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the CARIFORUM-United Kingdom Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and better understand the benefits that our citizens derive from international trade and economic growth.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like to know more about the EPAs.
e. lisa louis
EPA Coordinator
Email: epacoordinator@govt.lc
Telephone: 758-468-4519; 758-285-7978
What are EPA’s?
EPAs or Economic Partnership Agreements are a form of trade partnership, required by the Cotonou Agreement, which covers economic relations between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States. CARIFORUM, i.e. CARICOM plus the Dominican Republic, is one of six ACP regional groups.
How did the EPA come about?
Goods and services coming from ACP countries previously enjoyed preferential access to the European Union (EU) markets under the Lomé Agreement. However, with the onset of globalization and trade liberalization, and increasing opposition from member states of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the ACP countries and the EU agreed to develop new WTO-compatible trading arrangements, progressively removing barriers to trade between them and enhancing cooperation in all areas relevant to trade. These new arrangements would be termed Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and fell under the new Cotonou Agreement, which defined economic relations between the EU and the ACP since 2000.
CARIFORUM-EU EPA: Information Notes
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I. EU2022 Work Programme
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II. EU complains over breaches of almost all its free trade deals
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III. Multilateral Discussions on Electronic Commerce are Moving Ahead
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IV. Lessons from the Review of the WTO
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V. Doing Business in Europe in the Post Covid Era.
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VI. Using Trade to achieve Sustainable Development
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VII. The EU Commits to New WTO Disciplines on Domestic Regulation
- VIII. Doing Business in Europe in the post-Covid19 Era in the Tourism Sector
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IX. Enhancing IP Enforcement to assist Post-Covid Recovery
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X. The WTO provides Market Information for MSMEs
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XI. Promoting Sustainability in the Trade in Agricultural and Fisheries Products
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XII. CARIFORUM States Pursue Coordinated Action in Fisheries Management
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XIII. Doing Business in Europe in the Post Covid Era
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XIV. Tips for Selling Sauces & Condiments in the EU
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XV. The Trade Facilitation Agreement and Customs Formalities under the EPA
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XVI. Review of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement
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XVII. Tips for Entering the EU Market for Fresh Coconuts
CARIFORUM-EU EPA: Media
EPA Videos
9 Videos
Export and Grow with the EPA
5:04
The EPA Gateway for Caribbean ICT Services
5:27
Exporting Caribbean Craft to the EU
5:29
EPA Intellectual Property Tools
6:25
EPA Rules of Origin
6:06
EPA Spa and Wellness
4:18
Exporting Rum to Europe under the EPA
5:24
EPA Helping Caribbean Musicians Soar
3:41
Exporting Food to Europe under the EPA
4:59
Testimonial
Founded in November of 1991, Baron Foods commenced operations at St Jude’s Industrial Estate, Vieux Fort, SaintLucia. To date the Company produces over 160 products ranging from Condiments, Sauces, Salad Dressings, Exotic fruit Concentrates, Spices and a range of Gourmet Pastes.
We started doing Business with the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom(UK) in 1994 with pallet loads shipping under LCL arrangements. Although minimal, these shipments were an immense stride for our export capabilities at that time. Our Product Quality have always been at the forefront and continues to be of International Standard. Tourism as the largest contributor to Saint Lucia’s economy was also a significant contributor to our early success. Tourists traveling between UK and Saint Lucia greatly assisted in propelling the Brand, by consuming several of our products during their stay over. They fell in love with the range of products and its unique flavor and quality and continued to purchase to take back home and created a continuous demand for those products at home in the UK.
To date our labeling and packaging continue to be guided by EU regulations as the benchmark. Our standards follow the FSSC 22000 guidelines which comprise both ISO and HACCP. Our Human Resources maintain strong Moral and Ethical values.
I am proud to say that our sales to UK in particular, have increased exponentially to over 12 containers annually during the last three years.
Over the years, our products have been recipients of numerous awards worldwide, with many originating from the European Union.
Our Banana Ketchup was the proud recipient of an award in the Taste 13 Competition in Germany.
Our Flagship Product Baron West Indian Hot Sauce, Pasta Sauce and Sweet Chili sauce to name a few, have all been beneficiaries of the Superior Taste Award from the International Taste Institute and the Quality Monde Selection Award both in Brussels, Belgium. These accolades are given following intensive testing and a tedious evaluation from the world’s best Michelin Starred Chefs who are highly recognized in the Food and Beverage Industries.
The increased market presence in the UK and EU has required the strictest adherence to product quality, resulting in the need to always remain up to date with the current labeling requirements and standards.
Ronald Ramjattan
CEO Baron Foods, Saint Lucia