November 24, 2016:
Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry joined the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) in celebrating its 60th Anniversary on Tuesday 22 November, 2016. In addressing a gathering which included current and past Presidents and Chief Executive Officers of the TTMA’s membership at the Anniversary Luncheon, Senator Gopee-Scoon gave high commendation to the TTMA for its ‘unstinting service to local manufacturers over the last six decades’ and epitomizing its vision‘to be the voice of manufacturers in Trinidad and Tobago, creating value and providing world class service to its membership’.
The Minister reiterated the importance of the manufacturing sector’s role in achieving economic diversification. She said ‘the official policy framework of the Government highlights Trinidad and Tobago’s strong manufacturing base as an intrinsic area of strength. Just last Friday in the House of Representatives, the Honourable Prime Minister underscored that the manufacturing sector will remain among Government’s top priorities as diversification initiatives are expanded’.
As one of the frontline Ministries responsible for growing the non-energy sector, Minister Gopee-Scoon outlined a number of initiatives being undertaken to attract investments that are development oriented, geared towards improving the country’s overall competitiveness and diversifying and expanding export markets. She noted that ‘as mentioned in this year’s Budget Debate, increased trade, in both goods and services, is one way in which Trinidad and Tobago intends to increase its revenue streams, acquire foreign exchange, create sustainable jobs and, in the long-term, make the economy less vulnerable to the volatility of the international commodity markets. To this end, we must widen the range of goods and services exported; as well as exploit existing markets and create new market access opportunities with strategic partners’.
Senator Gopee-Scoon told the audience that the Ministry is currently crafting a National Export Strategy to improve export performance from three broad approaches - strengthening exporter capacity and competitiveness, enhancing the local trading environment and export promotion. The membership of the TTMA also received high praise for their recent participation in the Havana International Trade Fair 2016 which the Minister said signalled their willingness to partner with the Government in pursuit of strengthened commercial relationship with Cuba. She indicated that there exist tremendous prospects for the expansion of local exports to that country. Senator Gopee-Scoon noted that the Government was pleased to collaborate with the TTMA, as appropriate, in their generous response to the Prime Minister’s appeal to assist Haiti in their time of distress, following the passage of Hurricane Matthew in October.
Dr. Rolph Balgobin, President, Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association, in his address, congratulated the membership on celebrating 60 years of excellence in existence while briefly providing a historical overview of the TTMA’s journey over the decades. He expressed confidence that given the current economic climate, Trinidad and Tobago will again see the non-energy manufacturing sector take the lead in strengthening and moving the economy forward.
###
For further information, please contact:
Senior Corporate Communications Officer
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Tel: (868) 623-8480/623-2931 ext. 2722