The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas would be better able to defend itself against the European Union's (EU) 'blacklisting' if it was a full World Trade Organisation (WTO) member, this nation's lead negotiator argued yesterday.

Raymond Winder, addressing a Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) breakfast on WTO's impact, said this week's 'blacklisting' underscored the importance of completing the WTO accession.

"By not being a member of WTO, every time they move the goal posts we have to move whether we like it or not. There is no one to complain to; we just have to move. As long as we are not a member those around us will push us around," said Mr Winder.

The Minnis administration intends to complete the WTO accession process by end-2019. This was begun in 2001 when the first Ingraham administration was in its second term, and Mr Winder said the Bahamas has not been aggressive in driving for membership. He also accused the private sector, who he claimed would benefit the most, of being "lackadaisical" on the issue.

"We will be continually blacklisted and not be in a position to make our case to any court as to why what they are asking us to do is too much," said Mr Winder.

Mr Winder said there were many issues affecting Bahamian businesses that should not be mixed with fears over WTO accession. "There are many things going on in our country that have nothing to do with WTO and have had a devastating impact on businesses," he added, pointing to the 'ease of doing business' as one challenge.

Mr Winder said that with the Government now moving in earnest towards WTO accession, the private sector should "make its case" over impediments that make it difficult to do business.

"There are some things causing you not to be competitive that have nothing to do with WTO. Let's make the case on those issues and not use WTO as the scapegoat. Make sure that you are very specific," said Mr Winder.

He added that while certain industries have been exclusively reserved for Bahamian ownership for many years, "we have done a poor job of protecting those industries".

Acknowledging concerns over whether Bahamian businesses will be able to compete under WTO, and the impact 'Wal-Mart type' companies could have on the Bahamian economy, Mr Winder said: "One of the things we will fight for is some sort of protection regarding the size of corporations coming here, because we understand the potential impact of a Wal-Mart coming here.

"We have to do all we can to protect local business," Mr Winder suggested, however, that the Bahamas must consider whether this would hinder the economy's growth.