The large number of returning participants shows how important the Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) is as an internationally recognised trade show, Nicholas Lok Jack, president of the T&T Manufacturers' Association (TTMA) said yesterday.
"It gives me great pride to inform you that 50 per cent of our visitors are first time participants. This does not mean that we are falling off from last year. It is because the show is much larger in terms of participants. In addition, the high level of returning participants tells us our product offerings are stronger and TIC is a significant calendar event for all business people," he said at the opening ceremony of the 15th edition of the Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya.
Lok Jack said the trade show, which continues until Saturday, had returned to the Centre of Excellence after being at another location for several years because there is space for more booths there."TIC continues to grow and transform every year. We are constantly striving to build on the momentum each year. We have returned to the Centre of Excellence as we can do more, offer more and show more of new products," he said.
Lok Jack said there are buyers and sellers from every continent across the world except Australia."We have people from Ghana and Nigeria in Africa. In Europe there is Italy, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Belgium. From Latin America, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Panama and Colombia. In North America, the USA and Canada. We also have representatives from all our Caribbean neighbours," he said, adding that T&T is a place to invest as its the largest economy in the Caribbean.
"We are the financial capital of the Caribbean. The TTMA will continue to work with the Government of T&T to create an ideal environment for business as we play our part. This year we have started a new era for the show," he said.
TIC is multi-sectoral trade show which brings together local, regional and international businesses. During the event exhibitors with thousands of products meet hundreds of buyers seeking new suppliers, goods and services. Now in its 15th year, the event has facilitated more than US$450 million in trade deals and has become the Caribbean's biggest business-to-business event.