Trump policies will create instability but also opportunities – economic and trade experts

Policies being rolled out by United States (US) President, Donald Trump have the potential to create instability in the Caribbean region, but it also presents opportunities for CARICOM countries to diversify trade partners and create stronger regional relationships.

This is the view presented by economic and trade experts during a virtual panel discussion this week hosted by The University of the West Indies (UWI) on the topic ‘President Trump’s Great Policy Shift and the Caribbean’s response’.

UWI Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Justin Robinson noted that the United States’ proximity to the Caribbean makes them a primary trade partner, however, President Trump’s shift in trade policies highlights why an ‘America first’ approach can be detrimental to the region.

“It’s still a very powerful nation that can exercise leverage…I think there’s been a comfort, it’s been a long-standing reality in terms of those trade relationships with the US. In some ways we’ve had an ‘America first’ outlook from our end. If we can embrace that mind shift, it may create a unique opportunity amidst the short term challenges,” the Professor said.

“ This has the potential to be very disruptive in the short term, but as we make that mental shift and pivot, we now explore in a more meaningful way, trade relationships within CARICOM, within the CELAC region, and with other parts of the world.”

Click here to subscribe to read the full article