Comenzó en Trinidad y Tobago foro de desarrollo de las exportaciones del Caribe
Successful start to the Caribbean’s inaugural export development forum in Trinidad
ExporTT Limited, in partnership with the ministry of trade, industry and investment, hosted the region’s inaugural export development forum to a large gathering of exporters, potential exporters and representatives of export support agencies on Tuesday in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
During the Feature Address, Senator Vasant Bharath, minister of trade, industry and investment commended the staff of exporTT for their conscientious efforts in organizing the forum.
He further stated, “The ministry is pleased to be a major sponsor of the export development forum, as its concept and objectives are complementary to the national trade policy, which promotes economic diversification and the growth of exports. This forum is a clear indication that exporTT understands the tenets of its mandate and it is my hope that all will now better understand the role of exporTT to exporters and that there will be improved networking among exporters.”
Robert Tang Yuk, chairman of export, speaking on the nation’s future prospects declared, “We see great potential and limitless capacity as we tap into the innovation and creativity of our people. From the ICT sector, to maritime services, we believe that Trinidad and Tobago has a lot to offer the world. We are also keen to understand the ability of our support network to facilitate and enhance this potential for the benefit of all citizens. We seek to develop the best models for enhancing the export of services.”
Tang Yuk indicated that it is the goal of exporTT to continuously develop innovative strategies to break into new markets. The Export Development Forum is a timely element in this regard.
Keynote speaker, Prof. Victor Bulmer-Thomas, delivered an address on the economic review of Trinidad and Tobago’s Non-Energy Exports: Best Prospects for Future Growth, and highlighted the need for exporters to decrease their dependence on the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) market. He encouraged exporters to take advantage of opportunities in countries with which preferential bilateral trade agreements have been signed and also to look to Latin American neighbours.
The lineup of activities on the forum’s second day was due to include a presentation on services and global value chains by keynote speaker, Dr Sherry Stephenson; plenary sessions on harnessing the Diaspora for export growth and overcoming technical barriers to trade, as well as three parallel interactive sessions.