ST GEORGE'S - The Government of Grenada has taken a leading role in shaping an OECS Trade Policy Framework. The importance of this Policy Document is that it will articulate those major elements considered necessary in advancing the trade interests of OECS member states and will clearly enunciate market protection strategies for the critical yet vulnerable sectors in the OECS. Chief among these is the brewing sector, where products such as beer, malt and stout will be rendered uncompetitive without the ability of OECS Governments to impose higher tariffs on competing imports, from both within and outside the region. According to Strategic Trade Advisor and Ambassador to the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Patrick Antoine, “The Government of Grenada has been extremely active in defending our country’s interest in the bilateral negotiations, at the level of the WTO.” He says “this will be key for Grenada and the OECS at the 6th Ministerial meeting of the WTO currently underway in Hong Kong. Dr. Antoine also reiterated Grenada’s position on the CSME. He said that “Grenada was clear in its call for the introduction of the Regional Development Fund, when the CSME comes into being on the 1st January 2006. Source: Office of the Prime Minister