The signing of the ACS Air Transport Agreement (ATA) by these member countries represents a major achievement, as the intricacies of the document have been under negotiation for the past five years. Undoubtedly, Member States have recognized that the ATA will open up a new dimension for intra-regional travel for trade, investment and tourism, once ratified by all Members and implemented by regional airlines. As the region strives to meet the challenges of a difficult world situation, the signing of the ACS ATA would greatly assist in the consolidation of the industry.

The signing of the Protocol to the ACS Convention on STZC by Member States is important for smoothing the ratification process that will bring the Convention into force. This is essential to the region's efforts to develop tourism and seeks to foster cooperation among members not just in the traditional land and coastal tourism, but also covers tourism destination in rivers, lakes, and mountains in the mainland countries of the ACS.

The Panama Meeting also provided the opportunity for the ACS to establish and enhance collaboration with important players in the ACS focal areas. Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the ACS and (i) the International Federation of the Red Cross, and (ii) the Central American Commission for Maritime Transportation (COCATRAM).

The Agreement with the Red Cross will provide for a greater collaboration in the areas of common interest with the ACS, specifically in planning and promoting regional strategies, programmes and projects in the areas of mitigation and preparation for natural disasters, reconstruction and rehabilitation following natural disasters.

In the same vein, the Memorandum of Understanding with COCATRAM, will allow a merging of forces in the area of maritime transportation in such areas as research, consultancies, exchange of experts, workshops and other similar activities.

Also the Government of Panama signed the Reciprocal Co-operation Agreement Among the Trade and Investment Promotion Organizations of the Members States and Associate Members of the AEC. This Agreement aims to promote exports and investments and to deepen intra-regional and international trade relations among ACS countries.

Secretary General Girvan summarized the challenge facing the ACS Secretariat and its Members states in "utilizing these agreements to implement concrete activities and projects of cooperation", but noted that once these hurdles are overcome, "these Agreements represent significant advances in consolidating Greater Caribbean-wide cooperation in the key areas of transport and tourism, and strengthening collaboration with important players in ACS focal areas".

Manuel Madriz is the Legal Advisor of the Association of Caribbean States. The views expressed are not necessarily the official views of the ACS. Feedback can be sent to mail@acs-aec.org.

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February 18, 2004