British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Dominican Republic Initiate Economic Cooperation Talks with Focus on Trade and Agriculture | UN ECLAC Meeting Highlights

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the Dominican Republic have begun discussions on strengthening economic ties, with a focus on trade and agriculture.

BVI Special Envoy Benito Wheatley and Dominican Republic Vice Minister of International Cooperation, Olaya Dotel Caraballo, met in Santiago, Chile, during regional meetings hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). Their discussions covered potential areas of collaboration, including regional transportation, shipping, trade, and agriculture, as well as opportunities for development cooperation.

Wheatley acknowledged the historical relationship between the two territories, highlighting longstanding family ties and shared heritage. He also expressed appreciation for the Dominican Republic’s advocacy for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in international forums, particularly in addressing climate change and economic challenges.

“I was pleased to make initial contact with Vice Minister Caraballo to deliver on the mandate given by Premier Dr. Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley to his senior team to begin outreach to our Dominican partners on deepening economic cooperation between the British Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic as we take steps to diversify our trade to help mitigate the impact of global inflation on food prices locally,” Wheatley stated.

The officials agreed to follow up with their respective governments on establishing an official dialogue on economic cooperation, as well as exploring potential partnerships in development initiatives and cultural exchanges.

Both the BVI and the Dominican Republic currently serve as Vice Chairs of UN ECLAC, alongside Peru, and will collaborate in efforts to promote sustainable development and economic growth across Latin America and the Caribbean. (PR)