NEW YORK, CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) began a one-week trade mission on Monday, described as a strategic initiative aimed at deepening commercial ties and opening new distribution channels for Caribbean-made products in the United States.
The mission features 19 companies and a 28-member delegation that the TTMA said will include site visits, seminars, and networking.
TTMA’s chief executive officer, Dr. Mahindra Ramdeen, who is heading the mission, said that the initiative presents a unique opportunity for local producers to understand better and align with international standards, ensuring that their goods and services are competitive in the global marketplace.
The TTMA said that equally significant is the chance to tap into the Trinidad and Tobago diaspora in New York, “which represents a robust market for local products and services.
“By connecting with the diaspora, TTMA aims to strengthen trade links, build brand recognition, and create long-term opportunities for manufacturers and exporters in North America”.
The TTMA said that the delegation represents a diverse cross-section of industries, namely food and beverage, from distinctive Caribbean flavours to specialty confectionery, cosmetics and beauty, including iconic brands like Sasha Cosmetics, a household name across the region, as well as ICT and Logistics, offering innovative solutions poised for competitive entry into United States procurement networks.
TTMA trade officer Ismail Ali said that the mission’s dual goals are to expand the market share of established Caribbean manufacturers and generate much-needed foreign exchange while leveraging the cultural and consumer affinity of the Caribbean diaspora in North America.
“Buyers can expect not unique products but also manufacturers who have invested decades into building capacity,” Ali said, adding, “now, they’re ready to scale and penetrate the US market”.
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