SANTO DOMINGO.- The European Union Development Funds’ local coordinator said yesterday that from 2008 to 2013 its aid to the country tops 179 million euros, excluding other initiatives provided at the regional level.

Domingo Jiménez said the Caribbean region can access 165 million euros through the different programs, around 76 million of which are to implement the Economic Association Agreement (EPA).

He said the European Union adheres to its commitment to the development of the countries in the Cotonu agreement which Dominican Government also signed.

Jiménez spoke during an event of the Caribbean Exports Development Agency, on the development of novel systems in the Caribbean, held in the Jaragua hotel.

Proposal

In the activity National Competitiveness Council (CNC) director Andres Vanderhorst proposed the creation of an innovative system for the Caribbean with the support of international agencies to add more value to the region’s economies.

Speaking in the 1st International Seminar on the Development of Innovative Systems in the Caribbean, the official said the entity seeks to boost the competitiveness of the Caribbean nations’ products and their greater access to international markets.

Vanderhorst added that through that platform, the Cariforum Member States would take more advantage of the trade agreements, including EPA.

SOURCE: diariolibre.com