Latin America and the Caribbean

• (1) The first pillar is “Cooperation towards sustainable development, including overcoming the vulnerabilities particular to small island states.” In specific terms, firstly, Japan will participate proactively, in partnership with CARICOM member states, in international debate on the vulnerabilities particular to small island states. Secondly, Japan will draw on its technologies and knowledge to continue to enhance support in areas such as disaster risk reduction, the environment, energy, waste disposal, fisheries etc.. Thirdly, taking into account the “vulnerabilities particular to small island states” that CARICOM member states face and the importance of providing support from perspectives other than those based on per-capita income, Japan will conduct field surveys on future cooperation.
• (2) The second pillar is “Deeping and expanding fraternal bonds of cooperation and friendship.” Mutual understanding will be dramatically expanded through further tourism, sports or language study, which increased during the Japan-CARICOM Friendship Year 2014.
• (3) The third pillar is “Cooperation in addressing challenges of the international community.” In order to deepen cooperation and contribute to resolving the various challenges the international community faces, Japan emphasizes on strengthening cooperation and policy dialogue with the CARICOM member states, with which it shares the same values. Japan will contribute to the world from this perspective, based on its “proactive contribution to peace” policy.

During discussions that immediately followed the above, the attendees engaged in a lively exchange of opinions with a central focus on the First Pillar that was put forth by Prime Minister Abe.

The CARICOM member states expressed their gratitude for the support that Japan has provided to date, and highly praised Japan’s understanding with regard to the vulnerabilities particular to small island states. The CARICOM countries then stated that they are facing serious debt problems, but cannot receive the provision of concessional funds due to their income levels. The CARICOM countries commented that they require funds to address climate change and natural disasters such as hurricanes, but because they are facing debt problems, they do not have enough financial resources to engage in economic development, carry out the necessary social policies in order to improve the lives of citizens, and make domestic investments in the development of infrastructure. The CARICOM countries also mentioned other issues such as the need to address energy costs, which are hovering at high levels.

The countries then stated that they hope to get support, making use of Japanese technologies in fields such as renewable energy, energy saving, and disaster risk reduction, and noted that it is important to establish loan conditions. that take into consideration the circumstances of developing countries through governance reforms for international organizations. The CARICOM countries also conveyed their hope that Japan will raise their concerns at various international organizations. Furthermore, The CARICOM countries suggested that trade and investment ties with Japan should be strengthened and that Japan-CARICOM summit meetings should be held on a regular basis.