The Organisation of American States (OAS) says its Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI) will focus its efforts over the next six-month period on the issue of connectivity in the Americas, including the Caribbean.
The OAS says the initiative will move beyond technological and digital connectivity.
For the coming period, with St Lucia as chair of the Council, the OAS said the CIDI will examine several issues in its meetings in Washington.
The OAS said these include Promoting Tourism Through Multi-Destination Travel: August 27; Air Connectivity to Unlock Economic Growth: September 24; Modernising Ports Through Port Community Systems: October 29; Connecting Cities and Regions in the Americas to Bolster Subnational Competitiveness: November 26; and Alleviating Transportation and Logistics Barriers: December 12.
The Chair of CIDI and Permanent Representative of St. Lucia the OAS, Elizabeth Darius-Clarke, led the first meeting on the issue on July 30, centred on “Addressing Customs and International Regulatory Obstacles for Trade Facilitation” – “a key issue for fostering trade among the countries of the hemisphere.”
“CIDI promotes dialogue and cooperation among member states on the most pressing development issues facing the Hemisphere,” the OAS said, adding that CIDI meetings feature discussions with member state delegations, leading experts and strategic partners “to build consensus on solutions to the challenges of connectivity as the region works towards greater integration and cooperation.”