January 17, 2017: Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries on January 16 met with His Excellency Jules Bijl, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Trinidad and Tobago. The robust discussions centred on collaborations on the export opportunities for cocoa and cocoa products to the Netherlands; and the potential for the horticultural sector with youth involvement.
Senator Rambharat stated that ‘we need some help in our horticulture sector’; which led to discussions on possible Technical Assistance that can ‘focus on an evaluation of the local market; the varieties that will do well here; and how young people can grow and develop businesses in the sector’; this, since as the Minster shared,‘we have a project this year that is specific to Ornamentals, aimed at encouraging young people to get involved in the production of ornamentals and the establishment of plant rental businesses’; all aimed at increasing local production and availability of supply.
His Excellency Bijl stated that ‘it is important for us both to know what each of our country is doing in the agriculture sector so we can see how we can help each other’.
The Ministry will collaborate with the Dutch Embassy on two upcoming Seminars in February on the main topics of Potatoes (varieties, quality, phytosanitary requirements, etc.) and Cocoa.
Also in attendance at the Meeting were Mrs. Angela Siew, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; Mrs. Yolande Agard-Simmons, Head – Communications and Events, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; and Mr. Linley Geeban, Trade/Consular Officer with the Dutch Embassy.
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For further information please contact:
The Communications and Events Unit
Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries
868-622-1221