From left to right: Dr. Mwemba (COMESA), Ms. Ramsundar (CCC), Mr. Narinesingh (TTFTC), Mrs. Ava Mahabir-Dass (Ministry of Trade), the Hon. Saddam Hosein (Minister of Legal Affairs), Mr. Regan Asgarali (TTIPO), and Mrs. Sonia Cruickshank (WIPO).

From 30 June to 2 July 2025, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, hosted a Sub-Regional Workshop on Intellectual Property (IP) and Competition Policy, jointly organised by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, and the CARICOM Competition Commission (CCC).

The hybrid event gathered regional stakeholders, including competition authorities, intellectual property offices, and international experts, to examine the intersection of intellectual property rights and competition policy in modern regulatory settings. Over three days, participants engaged in knowledge-sharing sessions, participates in discussions on regional experiences, and planned future cooperation.

As co-sponsor and co-organiser, the CCC plays a crucial role in shaping the regional agenda on IP and competition. The CCC’s Executive Director, Ms. Nievia Ramsundar, delivered opening and closing remarks and co-moderated the vital panel discussion on fostering cooperation between Caribbean Intellectual Property Offices (IPOs) and Fair Trading Commissions (FTCs). Mr. Marc Jones, Senior Legal Counsel, also delivered a presentation on promoting cooperation between intellectual property offices and fair trading commissions. The CCC’s involvement highlights its commitment to strengthening regional integration and policy alignment in areas where IP rights and market dynamics intersect.

For the CCC, this workshop represented an important step towards achieving its vision of a competitive CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) that balances innovation incentives with consumer welfare and market fairness. The CCC looks forward to continued collaboration with WIPO, national agencies, and regional partners to develop stronger, more coordinated frameworks that support innovation and economic growth in the Caribbean.