the major shifts occurring in the world economy – the per capita income convergence process occurring between the emerging developing economies and the developed world, the growing share of developing countries in world trade, foreign direct investment flows and technological capability, as well as the global value chain networks and mega-markets. This repositioning of CARICOM economies is, however, occurring in a highly volatile and uncertain global economic environment as traditional partners in the industrialized world are unlikely to provide the growth push as in the past. Notwithstanding, there is scope for CARICOM States to transform their production structures into endogenous growth drivers, thereby requiring that emphasis be given to macro-economic stability, increasing investment and boosting levels of productivity as a platform for future growth. The trend towards the creation of value chains as drivers of production and trade, as well as the growth of mega markets, underscore the importance of the regional space in achieving scale economies, enhancing productivity and increasing trade among CARICOM States. Moreover, enhancing participation in global/regional value chains will require that CARICOM States adopt policies which promote sustainability while enhancing the synergies between trade and investment measures; address infrastructural gaps and deficiencies; stimulate the production capability of domestic firms and ensure that the labour force acquires the relevant specialized knowledge and skills. The strategies to transform the production structures in CARICOM States must also take into account critical social development issues prevailing in the Community. Specifically, the rising levels of youth unemployment existing alongside skill shortages in several key areas are indicative of a mismatch between the output of our education and training systems and that required for economic competitiveness. Robust systems for Labour Market Information and intelligence to both assess skills requirements and inform Member States’ education and training systems must therefore be a priority with greater emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics; entrepreneurship education as well as on technical and vocational education and training. The strategic direction must therefore be one which reviews in a holistic manner, the content and focus of our education and training systems and places emphasis on addressing the relevance of the existing structure and content of the curricula at all levels. In so doing, specific focus should be placed on innovation and creativity; digital literacy, entrepreneurship; issues of gender and inclusiveness; teacher preparation; and the optimum use of resources among others. 5|P ag e