In addressing a gathering which included current and past presidents and CEOs of the TTMA's membership at the anniversary luncheon, the minister commended the business organisation for its "unstinting service to local manufacturers over the last six decades."
Gopee-Scoon also noted the T&T vision to be the voice of manufacturers in T&T, "creating value and providing world-class service to its membership."
"The official policy framework of the Government highlights Trinidad and Tobago's strong manufacturing base as an intrinsic area of strength," she said.
" Just last Friday in the House of Representatives, the Honourable Prime Minister underscored that the manufacturing sector will remain among the Government's top priorities as diversification initiatives are expanded."
Gopee-Scoon took the opportunity the highlight initiatives being undertaken to attract investments that are development-oriented, geared towards improving the country's overall competitiveness and diversifying and expanding export markets.
She said: "As mentioned in this year's budget debate, increased trade, in both goods and services, is one way in which Trinidad and Tobago intends to increase its revenue streams, acquire foreign exchange, create sustainable jobs and, in the long-term, make the economy less vulnerable to the volatility of the international commodity markets.
"To this end, we must widen the range of goods and services exported; as well as exploit existing markets and create new market access opportunities with strategic partners."
She said the Trade Ministry is currently crafting a national export strategy to improve export performance from three broad approaches–strengthening exporter capacity and competitiveness, enhancing the local trading environment and export promotion.
The minister praised TTMA members for their recent participation in the Havana International Trade Fair 2016, which she said signalled their willingness to partner with the Government in pursuit of strengthened commercial relationship with Cuba. She said there are tremendous prospects for expansion of local exports to that country.
Gopee-Scoon added that the Government was pleased to collaborate with the TTMA, as appropriate, in their response to the Prime Minister's appeal to assist Haiti in their time of distress, following the passage of Hurricane Matthew in October.
TTMA president Dr Rolph Balgobin congratulated the membership on celebrating 60 years of excellence and gave a historical overview of the organisation's journey over the decades.
He expressed confidence that given the current economic climate, T&T will again see the non-energy manufacturing sector take the lead in strengthening and moving the economy forward.