The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) yesterday announced its leadership of trade mission to the Bahamas from yesterday to April 19.
The trade mission comprises 15 local companies spanning diverse sectors including food and beverage, paint, printing and packaging, and chemicals.
Supported by key stakeholders including the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Export TT, and EXIM Bank, who are actively participating in the mission, the initiative underscores the collective commitment to driving economic growth and expansion opportunities for T&T's thriving manufacturing sector, the TTMA said in a news release yesterday.
The mission is strategically aligned with the Export Booster Initiative, a pioneering endeavour aimed at propelling trade missions and serving as a catalyst for local producers to explore new markets.
Dr. Mahindra Ramesh Ramdeen, CEO of TTMA, leads the mission, which seeks to cultivate closer business ties and facilitate fruitful collaborations between Trinidadian and Bahamian enterprises.
Speaking about the mission, Dr. Ramdeen expressed his optimism, stating, "This trade mission is the first time TTMA is taking a mission to the Bahamas. By fostering meaningful partnerships and nurturing sustainable business connections, we aim to not only bolster economic cooperation but also cultivate a spirit of camaraderie and mutual prosperity."
The TTMA said the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved underscore the unwavering commitment to advancing Trinidad and Tobago's economic agenda while fortifying bilateral ties with neighbouring nations.
Through initiatives like this trade mission, TTMA continues to champion the cause of local manufacturers, empowering them to explore untapped markets and seize new opportunities on the global stage.
The trade mission to the Bahamas marks a significant stride towards fostering robust commercial relationships across borders, the TTMA said.
Newspaper reports indicate the trade mission to the Bahamas is the third organised by the TTMA for this year.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Paula Gopee-Scoon led a delegation from the private sector on a trade mission to Ghana from March 12-17, 2024.
That mission was organised by TTMA and ExporTT and comprised 21 companies from the food and beverage, chemical and household, construction and apparel and textiles and financial services sectors.
Also on the trade mission were representatives from the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and trade-related state agencies including the Export Import Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (EximBank) and NEDCO.
Gopee-Scoon also led a delegation from the private sector on a trade mission to Belize during the period January 30 to February 3, 2024. That mission was also organised by the TTMA and ExporTT, comprising 23 companies from the food and beverage, transportation and logistics, oil and gas, marketing, and health services sectors.
ExporTT is the national export facilitation organisation of Trinidad and Tobago.