Trinidad and Tobago Trade Delegation Begins Three Day Visit to Dominica

ROSEAU, Dominica - Dominica has welcomed a trade mission from Trinidad and Tobago with International Business, Trade and Energy Minister, Dr. Vince Henderson, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the two countries in strengthening the regional integration movement.

paulacTrade and Industry Minister, Paula Gopee-Scoon (center) with members of the Trinidad and Tobago trade mission to Dominica“We are connected in so any ways, I am happy we are meeting and looking at opportunities for collaboration for the mutual benefit of our people. This is also within the framework of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME),” Henderson told the ceremony welcoming the 29 companies on the three-day trade mission until Wednesday.

The CSME allows for the free movement of goods, skills, labour and services across the region and Henderson said for the relationship between the two countries to work “there must be mutual trust.

“We trust you when you say you  can supply the entire Caribbean. We expect you also to trust us when we say we have a product to supply the Caribbean. If we fall short we are prepared to accept that, but what I would encourage is that we can work to build the capacity within the region”.

Henderson said if a Caribbean country is producing a product “we should work to ensure that we in fact can expand the capacity of the country so that product can be easily available within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

“This is why I am very happy that you have the opportunity to discuss with the private sector manufacturers in Dominica who  can work  with you in collaboration and not in competition,” Henderson said, noting also that the two countries are also connected in so any ways.

President of the Dominica Association and Industry and Commerce (DAIC), Brenton Hilaire, said he welcomed the opportunity  for fostering trade and investment opportunities between businesses in Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago.

“Beyond the business transactions, beyond the meetings and agreements, this is a mission about relationships…that will continue long after the event ends. It is about fostering trust, mutual respect  and a shared vision for prosperity.

”It is about recognising that we are stronger together that we are apart,” Hilaire said, reiterating that “by working together we can achieve the kind of economic growth that benefits not just our businesses, but our communities and nations.

“I encourage ecah of you to approach this mission with open mind and a readiness to embrace new possibilities,” Hilaire said, urging the need to  create new markets and new partnerships.

The trade mission is being led by the Trinidad and Tobago Trade and Industry Ministers, Paul Gopee-Scoon as well as the vice president of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA),Emil Ramkissoon and its chief executive officer, Dr Mahindra Ramdee.

Prior to its departure for Roseau, the ministry in a statement said that the  mission is the first for the year and signifies a pivotal step towards mutual growth and partnership between the two countries which will establish frameworks for future business opportunities”.

The TTMA said “t is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead as our manufacturers explore these avenues for business development and collaboration. This trade mission highlights the steadfast commitment of the manufacturing sector to growth and earning foreign exchange for Trinidad and Tobago”.

The TTMA’s Manufacturer of the Year award for 2023, Blue Waters, is among the delegation that also includes printing and packaging company, Premier Label Company Ltd; farmer-owned and run cocoa co-operative Montserrat Cocoa Farmers Co-operative Society Ltd; and Eximbank.

The mission will also consist of companies across the food and beverage, construction, printing and packing, chemical and household, construction and services sectors.

The ministry said that “these companies will participate in organised business-to-business meetings in their respective markets,” noting that Trinidad and Tobago currently maintains a positive trade balance with Dominica.

The ministry said that it will also use the opportunity to engage in bilateral discussions with its ministerial counterparts and other key officials in Dominica.

“These discussions will seek to strengthen trade relations between Trinidad and Tobago and Dominica. The discussions will also aid in advancing the export prospects for local companies,” the release said.

Dominica is Trinidad and Tobago’s  eighth-largest export market and the 10th largest source of imports in CARICOM.

“The mission aims to strengthen economic ties by building robust business relationships, allow local businesses to explore new markets and pave the way for innovative collaborations,” the ministry added.