The private sector must play a pivotal role if T&T is to truly become competitive.The statement was made by Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment Vasant Bharath on Friday during a visit to John Dickinson Company Ltd's compound.
His visit saw the commencement of the ministry's 2014 ministerial media tours to local manufacturers, a programme aimed at viewing first-hand the operations of local manufacturers with the intent to provide support and guidance where necessary, with the goal to improve competitiveness of local industries.Bharath assured John Dickinson's executives that the ministry is working expeditiously through its strategic agencies, namely invesTT Ltd and exporTT Ltd, to create improvements in trade facilitation and investment promotion.
The company's executive director, George Haloute, said, "The workers, like myself, are very proud of our achievements and we have endeavoured to continue to strive for excellence in this competitive environment. The journey to get to where we are today has been one based on strategic alliances with John Dickerson of the UK and Neal and Massy."Haloute also thanked the Government for its support of the company which allowed them to remain a player in the regional and international market.
The hour-long tour included a visit to the company's warehouse and factory; the main warehouse and main factory and the offices, where Bharath greeted and engaged in conversation with the members of staff.