Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/299/REV.1 |
S-I§1 |
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2014 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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Dominica is an upper middle-income country with a population estimated at 71,780 inhabitants in 2012, and a per capita GDP of US$6,692. Compared with other OECS countries, Dominica is relatively small in terms of population and GDP. The island is mostly volcanic, and is vulnerable to a range of natural disasters and hazards (hurricanes, storms, landslides). In 2007 and 2008, Dominica was struck back-to-back by two hurricanes (Dean and Omar), resulting in socio-economic disruption and considerable damage to infrastructure. In 2011, major flooding severely damaged bridges and roads.
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/299/REV.1 |
S-I§2 |
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2014 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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Agriculture (including livestock and forestry) remains a major source of foreign exchange earnings and employment in Dominica. Although in decline over the long term, its contribution to GDP increased from 8.9% in 2007 to 10.5% in 2013 (Table 1.1). This contribution is far larger than in any other OECS country where the agriculture sector accounts for less than 6% of GDP. The sector is vulnerable to natural disasters and crop conditions, which is particularly costly given their relatively frequent occurrence. In 2010, the sector was hard hit by a drought. In 2013, the production of bananas was halved due to a leaf disease.
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Government TPR |
WT/TPR/G/299/REV.1 |
G-V§7 |
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2014 |
Sectors |
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Agriculture |
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The Government of Dominica also plans to launch an Agricultural Festival, affectionately referred to as "Agri Fess"; the purpose of this initiative is to bring to the fore new developments in agriculture with a view to stimulate interest and bring new ideas in agriculture. The goal: sustainability in agriculture and agricultural practices. The Festival is carded for the week of the 12 day of May 2014.
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Government TPR |
WT/TPR/G/299/REV.1 |
G-V§17 |
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2014 |
Sectors |
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Energy |
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Dominica's long term goals in this sector, however, are to explore and utilize renewable and alternative energy potential. Several options have been and are being explored. This includes the generation of hydroelectricity. Dominica's rugged terrain, high rainfall and many rivers makes it well endowed for harnessing hydroelectric energy. A hydroelectric plant already exists on the island while several studies have been conducted on the expansion of hydroelectric generation.
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Government TPR |
WT/TPR/G/299/REV.1 |
G-V§22 |
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2014 |
Sectors |
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Energy |
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The Government of Dominica has also looked at wind and solar energy as other alternative sources. Government has facilitated the electricity company with feasibility studies for the development of a wind farm, with funding from the OAS. The use of solar power in housing and commercial building has also been explored.
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Government TPR |
WT/TPR/G/299/REV.1 |
G-V§18 |
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2014 |
Sectors |
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Energy |
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Another option is geo-thermal energy. A significant investment of EC$12,475,987 was made by the Government of Dominica between January and June 2013 for the undertaking of geothermal development works in the Roseau Valley. This included drilling and site preparation works. The Government has already invested over EC$31 million for the exploratory phase of the geothermal project. Government is currently pursuing the construction of a small power plant which will concentrate of local consumption.
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Government TPR |
WT/TPR/G/299/REV.1 |
G-V§19 |
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2014 |
Sectors |
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Energy |
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Plans are also in place to construct a large power plant which will facilitate the export of electricity generated through geothermal energy sources to the neighbouring French territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique. This is all as a result of the Government's drive to ensure that Dominica becomes the first carbon negative economy in the hemisphere.
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Government TPR |
WT/TPR/G/299/REV.1 |
G-V§20 |
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2014 |
Sectors |
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Energy |
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From 26 to 27 September 2013, the Ministry of Public Works, Energy and Ports of the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica with support from the World Bank (SIDS DOCK) convened a Geothermal Development Partners Forum in Roseau, Dominica. The purpose of the Forum is to bring together technical and financial public and private sector partners and potential partners who have an interest in furthering the development of Dominica's geothermal energy programme, and specifically, the commercialization of the geothermal resource to provide clean, low cost renewable electricity to local consumers in the first instance, and to export electricity to regional markets in a subsequent development phase.
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/299/REV.1 |
S-I§21 |
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2014 |
Sectors |
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Energy |
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Over the medium term, the development of geothermal energy has the potential to transform the economy. A power plant is under construction, and its entry into operation by 2015 may lead to a decrease by up to 40% of the cost of electricity, thereby improving the competitiveness of the economy and attracting new investments.
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/299/REV.1 |
S-IV§11 |
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2014 |
Sectors |
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Energy |
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The development of geothermal energy was identified as a national priority in Dominica's Growth and Social Protection Strategy (GSPS). With support from the EU's cooperation programme INTERREG III-B "Caribbean Space", and in partnership with other agencies, Dominica's Government has launched the "Geothermal Energy in the Caribbean Islands".
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