The singing of the MOU by is expected to take place on the sidelines of the 38 CARIOM summit that opens here later on Tuesday.

Both countries have described the accord as providing “a tangible expression of Caribbean solidarity, unity and the way forward for the CSME (CARICOM Single Market and Economy) as well as a model for the future direction of the CSME project; translating the Revised Treaty from words into action”..

The MOU was initialled in Suriname earlier this month by that country’s Trade, Industry and Tourism Minister Ferdinand Welzijn and his Antigua and Barbuda counterpart E.P. Chet Greene.

A joint statement issued following the talks in Paramaribo quoted both ministers as expressing the need to take advantage of the human and material resources through joint efforts, with the aim of improving the quality of life of their peoples.

“The signing of this MOU today is a demonstration of our commitment of deepening and strengthening of our CARICOM relations.We are at the stage to deepen our relationship” said  Yldiz Pollack – Beighly, Suriname’s Foreign Affairs Minister.

Greene said the accord “marks a new beginning; today we change the way we do things.

“Initialing this agreement on this historic day is symbolic of our future relations and our understanding of the way forward. We look forward to the full operationalization of this agreement”.

Both countries have agreed on an immediate plan of action for implementation after the signing. The statement noted that among the items included in the MOU as multi destination tourism, air transportation, agriculture cooperation, CARICOM enterprises, sports and culture.