ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC -Trinidad and Tobago’s Trade and Industry Minister, Paul Gopee-Scoon, says she is pleased with the outcome of a trade delegation to Dominica and that the island represents a “good destination to continue to do business.”
Gopee-Scoon is leading a 29-member trade mission from the twin-island republic, which will wrap up its activities here later on Wednesday.
“It is our duty as business persons to try to explore new markets and to have a greater market presence in those markets where we don’t have a strong foothold,” she said, adding, “I would say Dominica is of that type.”
She said that while goods are being offered to consumers here, “we would like to see more Trinidad and Tobago goods in Dominica.
“For us, it has been perfect,” she said, noting several business-to-business meetings as well as her interaction with her Dominican counterpart, Dr. Vince Henderson, who had, while welcoming the trade mission, underscored the importance of collaboration between the two countries in strengthening the regional integration movement.
“We are connected in so many ways; I am happy we are meeting and looking at collaboration opportunities for our people’s mutual benefit. This is also within the framework of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME),” Henderson said.
The CSME allows for the free movement of goods, skills, labor, and services across the region.
“For us, it has gone well, but we know it can only do well with two things: better connectivity, for which we are also having discussions with the shipping lines…(and) apart from that, the other thing that we want to see is whether or not we can have some of Dominica’s input into our manufacturing.”
She said Dominica produces a wide variety of agricultural products. Trinidad and Tobago manufactures “quite a bit of beverages, so that would be a good input into the beverages.
“We also utilize seamlessly, and I know you grow a lot of seamless here, so this is a good source,” she said, noting that a Trinidad and Tobago manufacturer imports seamlessly from Vietnam.
“I think you will be competitive, and once we get acceptable quality, we can take the seamless from here. Of course, we want to explore the import of garlic and turmeric…into our markets…and into the manufacturing process as well.”
Gopee-Scoon said that, generally, there’s a lot to explore in terms of business opportunities, and “we have to ensure there is reciprocity in terms of the business that we do.”
The trade mission also included Emil Ramkissoon, the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) vice president, and its chief executive officer, Dr Mahindra Ramdee.
Before departing for Roseau, the ministry said the mission was the first of the year. It signifies a pivotal step towards mutual growth and partnership between the two countries, which will establish frameworks for future business opportunities. “
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