Two plane loads of T&T goods were flown to eastern Venezuela yesterday morning, the first of several to be delivered over the next few days under a bilateral agreement to supply US$50 million worth of items to the South American country.
In all, 68 tons of rice, frozen chicken, ketchup, powdered milk, mayonnaise and pasta were received yesterday by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro who will visit the Eastern Zone of Venezuela for the arrival of the first shipment.
The products were supplied by Arawak and Company Ltd, Vemco Ltd, and Trinidad Parboil Ltd/Old Mac Agro Supplies Ltd. Products from John Dickinson and Co (WI) Ltd, National Canners Ltd, National Flour Mills and Coconut Growers Association Ltd are due to be sent to Venezuela in the coming days.
The shipment was delivered just two days after officials of the Ministry of Trade and Venezuelan trade officials finalised terms to begin a first tranche of supplies. Some US$26.9 million worth of food and basic household items will be sent to Venezuela.
Items to be exported over an intial three-month period are in 12 product ranges, including ketchup, mayonnaise, flour, white rice, margarine, chicken, powdered milk and spaghetti.