Embassies

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responsibility for formulating and implementing the foreign policies of the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica. Like many of its Eastern Caribbean neighbours, the main priority of Dominica’s foreign relations is economic development. Dominica is a member of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, Non-Aligned Movement, Organization of American States, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, United Nations and the World Trade Organization. Recent developments include March 2004, where Dominica established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. In January 2008, Dominica joined the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA) — which strengthens its ties with Venezuela beyond their bilateral agreement regarding oil.

Dominica has few embassies in foreign countries, with the only examples being in the United States (where it has two), the High Commissions in the UK and Canada, and embassies in Belgium and Cuba. The High Commission of the Commonwealth of Dominica in the United Kingdom (which also represents Dominica on behalf of Europe) provides a range of consular services to Dominican citizens, people of Dominican descent, and potential visitors and investors to Dominica. The High Commission aims to strengthen its capacity to respond to Government’s priorities in the external sector, emphasising trade, investment, and tourism promotion, as well as external representation and negotiations with international organisations in the United Kingdom and Europe.

There are eight foreign missions in Dominica representing Belgium, Canada, China, Cuba, Jamaica, Norway, Spain and Venezuela. The majority of these are present in the capital, Rosseau. These examples contain a mix of local neighbours and leading economies. Important relationships exist with Venezuela, from which it attains all of its oil; and Canada, which has provided governmental aid, through CIDA, the CARCOM Canada Joint Trade and Economic Committee and the Canadian Seasonal Farm Workers Programme.