There is great room for boosting trade among CARICOM nations, as business dealings within the region remain at 11.2 per cent.

CARICOM Chair and Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness made the comment during a regional private sector leadership breakfast at Sandals Montego Bay in St. James this morning.

Dr. Holness noted that the region’s collective wealth can be greatly improved through the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

The CSME is an initiative aimed at creating a single, integrated economic space for CARICOM member states.

Dr. Holness stressed that with current global uncertainties, the CSME must be viewed as an essential shield of self-reliance.

He noted, however, that steps to remove barriers to equitable trade must be implemented if the full benefits of the CSME are to be realised.

Dr. Holness also highlighted the need to modernize CARICOM’s trade regimes.