In a competitive global environment, the T&T Coalition Services Industry (TTCSI) is doing its part to help local companies break into new markets abroad. With the passion and drive to assist in expanding the economic base of the country, Nirad Tewarie, chief executive officer of TTCSI, has taken up the mantle to market all aspects of T&T's services sector. Tewarie said TTCSI was determined to be the driving force in the growth and expansion of the services sector in T&T's market while, at the same time, increasing exports for the sector.
Tewarie-who has a strong background in journalism-said he always had his heart set on contributing meaningfully to his country. His first media experience was at the Trinidad Guardian before assuming the position as head of news at IETV, where he was instrumental in the development of the station's newsroom. He stated that the media was a learning experience and was thankful to the Trinidad Guardian for taking a chance on him. Tewarie who is a holder of a Bsc degree in mass communications and masters in international relations was also a part-time lecturer in English, international relations and journalism.
But Tewarie left the media and delved into politics for about one year, similarly to other reporters who had done so in the recent past. He was the communications director for the Congress of the People. But speaking at a one-on-one interview with the Business Guardian, Tewari said: "I left the media because I felt I was not making the kind of difference I wanted. I felt I was not achieving what I wanted." But, after losing his Chaguanas East seat in 2007 elections, Tewarie assumed the position of CEO at TTCSI on May 1, 2009.
Poised for diversification
Tewarie said the TTCSI has provided the impetus to achieve his stated goals by making a more meaningful contribution to society. He said the service sector could play an integral role in the Government's diversification thrust. "If the diversification of the economy is to be achieved, it is the services sector which will drive the process." Consequently, he noted that the association was trying to promote and market the country's services to different regions and states.
He noted that the four year-old TTCSI-which has a growing membership of 31 sector associations-is looking at expanding the country's market reach by using the Caribbean countries as a gateway to the more developed countries.
Tewarie said T&T could try and find ways to expand its links in countries like Grenada, which could be used as a gateway to Europe and Martinique which can be used to access France. But this would only be possible if the country pushes for the recognition of the Certificate of Registration as a service provider. He said this was key as market penetration and the whole issue of global competitiveness were the two issues plaguing the business community. "With this certificate, it would help widen the market for service providers and foster intraregional collaboration." Hence, one of TTCSI's stated mission is to assist in the organisation of sectors to develop more opportunities for business generation within the services sector.
It has facilitated the establishment of a number of organisations and was instrumental in having some of them become charted institutions where they have an opportunity to be recognised regionally and globally. The energy sector, he stated, was already finding some success and willing partners in both West and East Africa. "But, with the recent global financial downturn, foreign firms were looking for new markets. Therefore, T&T, which has a small and open economy, must focus on constant innovation and the diversity of markets in order to survive."
Service sector growing
Tewarie said the service sector represented five per cent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) and was a viable alternative. He explained that TTCSI was focusing on building capacity for the private sector by maximising on the trade agreements, establishing standards, promoting structure and formation and assisting in policy formation. He said while the organisation's task may be challenging, it was quite flexible and consisted of a strong network: the Caricom Secretariat, Business Development Corporation (BDC), and the Ministry of Trade, among other organisations. The association is partly financed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry and its membership.
Tewarie assures that even though the ministry has an input, the association operates independently of the Government. The services sector has made significant strides as it experienced a 20 per cent growth within the last year, he noted. During this time, he said, they had accomplished some major achievements including the formation of four new sector organisations: assisted in the establishment Private Hospitals Association of T&T, the launch of the Green Building Council which was held earlier this year, the T&T Chapter of the Caribbean Institute of Certified Management Consultants and the launch of Printing and Packaging Association of T&T on October 27.
The association was also instrumental in the creation of ICT Carnival hub which would be fully established by 2012. The hub would act as a tool to provide mas bands with substantial business support and services to improve productivity and efficiency levels through specific online functionalities.