Barbados Foreign Minister meets with Senior Vice Minister of Japan

BARBADOS – Barbados is seeking a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with Japan in an effort to boost investment opportunities between the two countries.

This was disclosed by this country’s Foreign Minister, Christopher Sinckler, who held talks recently with the Senior Vice-Minister of Japan, Hitoshi Kimura.

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 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in September this year, and Japan was seeking this country’s support in its bid.

Also discussed during the meeting was the issue of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and climate change. Noting that the latter 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.

Mr. Kimura pledged further cooperation with Barbados in relation to disaster preparedness and to work in tandem with the region’s Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA).

Minister Sinckler also solicited the support of Japan for Barbados’ candidature for re-election to the Postal Operations Council of the Universal Postal Union; a diplomatic note was formally handed over requesting Japan’s backing.

Other areas of discussion included the Millennium Development Goals, scholarships for Barbadian students, and training opportunities for teachers.