Barbados is seeking a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with Japan in an effort to boost investment cooperation between the two countries.
This view was expressed by this country’s Foreign Minister, Christopher Sinckler, who met with the Senior Vice-Minister of Japan, Hitoshi Kimura, for high-level talks during a courtesy call at the Sandy Lane Hotel recently.
Citing the benefits of such an Agreement, the Minister underscored the importance of Barbados cultivating a more mature and economically viable relationship with Japan as well as the rest of the region.
In addition, the two parties discussed Japan’s candidature for the United Nations Security Council for the period 2009 to 2010.
The Vice-Minister told the Minister that elections would be held during the up-coming 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in September this year and they were seeking this country’s support in their bid. In turn, Mr. Sinckler said Barbados recognised the importance of the Council in its quest for World Peace and would welcome the opportunity to support Japan in its candidature.
Also mentioned during the meeting was the issue of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and climate change. Noting that this phenomenon was of particular concern to him, Minister Sinckler told the Japanese envoy it could present serious challenges to Barbados and the rest of the region if a solution was not found.
Mr. Kimura concurred, stressing his country’s commitment to the Caribbean, he also pledged further cooperation with Barbados as it related to disaster preparedness and to work in tandem with this country’s Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA).
Mr. Sinckler also enlisted the support of Japan for Barbados’ candidature for re-election to the Postal Operations Council of the Universal Postal Union, at which a diplomatic note was formally handed over requesting Japan’s backing.
Other areas of discussion included Millennium Development Goals, scholarships for students, training opportunities for teachers and the Caribbean Sea Initiative. (TB)