Above: Martinique (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States says it is committed to deepening trade and economic ties with both Martinique and Cuba.

The proclamation comes after the second meeting of the OECS Council of Ministers: Trade in late May.

Talks on OECS engagement with Cuba focused on the development of a memorandum of understanding between the OECS commission and the Cuban government; the MOU would establish a framework for both technical and scientific cooperation, according to an OECS statement.

The OECS is also looking to strengthen trade with Martinique, endorsing the preparation of a plan of action and the establishment of an OECS-Martinique Trade Working Group to “improve trade facilitation arrangements and create an enabling environment for greater economic opportunities for Martinique and OECS Member States,” the OECS said.

While Martinique is a department of France, is has been steadily deepening its relationship with its independent neighbours in the region, led by Regional Council President Serge Letchimy’s policy of “territorial diplomacy.”