SELA and ALADI join forces to promote trade facilitation in Latin America and the Caribbean!
The Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) and the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI) will promote joint actions in the economic, social and trade areas in the region.
The Permanent Secretary of SELA, Ambassador Javier Paulinich, and the Secretary General of the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), Alejandro de la Peña Navarrete, signed the Memorandum of Understanding on 27 October 2017 at the headquarters of ALADI in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Both parties will promote economic and institutional cooperation focused on trade facilitation in processes associated with digitization, simplification and harmonization of procedures according to international standards, including the digital certification of origin, certified electronic signatures, and electronic commerce; as well as in the development of skills and capacities for greater efficiency, transparency and security within the framework of regional integration.
In accordance with their respective spheres of competence, they will be able to carry out the following activities: a) Exchange of information, coordination and cooperation in regulatory technical aspects and for the promotion of information and communications technologies to facilitate digital trade; b) Collect and identify existing asymmetries and the level of progress by country; c) Organize meetings, seminars, workshops, and specific projects in this area.
For further information, visit: http://www.sela.org/
Minister Bartlett to give update of UNWTO Global Conference
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett will host a press briefing in association with the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, where he will provide an update on the conference to members of the media and directors of the MBCC.
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Government of Jamaica, World Bank Group and Inter-American Development Bank Global Conference on Jobs and Inclusive Growth: Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism will take place in our tourism capital, Montego Bay, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from November 27-29, 2017.
It brings together high-level decision makers in tourism from countries around the world to design an international road map and foster collaborative partnerships for inclusive economic and social development.
Winner of UNWTO Travel Competition announced
The travelers’ competition closed with 2,400 submissions and one lucky winner: Katie Diederichs, who will be embarking on an unforgettable trip across six different countries to tell the world how tourism can make a positive change.
Three weeks after being launched, the Travellers´ Competition closed with 2,400 submissions. All eligible entries received were judged based on creativity and originality, adherence to theme and digital engagement and social influence of participants.
Four years ago, Katie and her husband quit their comfortable 9-to-5 jobs and set off on an adventure that hasn’t yet ended. From backpacking in South America to trekking to Everest Base Camp to living as expats in Asia, they´ve been privileged to experience many cultures around the world.
“During our wanderings, I’ve learned that tourism is a powerful thing.” Katie said in her submission. She also added “There are ways – both big and small – that every traveler can lessen the footprint they leave. My passion is educating others and myself about how we can travel more sustainably.”
Katie will be embarking on the 24th of November on a journey across the world that will be supported by Explore WorldWide, an adventure travel group offering a wide range of activities and experiences with a commitment to responsible travel and a pinch of Explore spirit.
Katie will be visiting sustainable tourism projects in Colombia, Germany, Mexico, the United Arab Emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah and the Léman region in Switzerland, all partners of the initiative.
Together with her life and travel partner, she manages the website, ‘Two Wandering Soles’, focused on ethical travel for people on all budgets. With 35,000+ monthly visitors and a growing following on social media, Katie would make a fantastic representative of a “responsible traveler” that people from all walks of life can relate to.
The jury of the competition comprised Sandra Carvao, Chief of Communications and Publications at UNWTO, Sofia Panayiotaki, Founder and CEO, PR MEDIACO and John Tefler, Interim Managing Director at Explore Worldwide.