Chairman of the Emancipation Support Committeen (ESC) Khafra Kambon, in his response to the feature address delivered by Trade Minister Vasant Bharath, at the 14th Annual Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Symposium said T&T was now promoting "a new kind of trade–one that uplifts the human race".
Kambon, who was welcoming local and international delegates to the symposium, also thanked the Ministry of Trade for its supportive relationship which has blossomed over the years and sees ministry partnering with the ESC in the annual hosting of the symposium.
Bharath, who spoke at the opening of the business symposium at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre yesterday, said it "not only highlights our nation's rich culture but also seeks to strengthen the trade and investment ties between our Caribbean people and the African Diaspora."
"There is tremendous value in improving economic collaborations between the private and public sectors, as well as the Caribbean and African regions. As a result, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to enhancing the business environment, promoting investment, seeking market opportunities and arriving at modes of cooperation with the African continent."
He added: "There are particular synergies to be harnessed by the historical relationship. Those from the Southern regions of the world share this common history and actively looking to improve our historical linkages to develop sustainable economic partnerships.
"This symposium continues to be an excellent opportunity for the exchange of knowledge and information about our economic realities and for building and solidlying new trade and investment relationships. With this in mind this year's focus on South Sudan as an emerging nation provides tremendous development for mutually beneficial relationships."
The minister, who noted that the African continent is currently sixth among the ten fastest growing economies in the world, added: "According to the International Monetary Fund's World Economic Outlook, the countries on this list–including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Tanzania, Nigeria and Zambia–contain massive amounts of untapped natural resources, human capital and possibilities for economic engagement.
Within recent times the new interest in Africa's resources by multinationals in the West and Far East is evidence of Africa's awakening potential as a hub for foreign investors."
Bharath also used the opportunity to share with delegates developments in improving the ease of doing business in T&T and steps being taken to become more globally competitive.
Other speakers at the symposium included Dr. Judith Aidoo, CEO, Caswell Capital Partners Limited; Al Washington, executive director, Africa-USA International Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Waheed A. Olagunju, executive director, Business Development, Bank of Industry, Nigeria; and Chaile Seretse, South African attorney and business consultant.
The annual symposium, which had as its theme Reinventing the Triangle, provided an opportunity for exchanging knowledge and information about economic realities, and for building and solidifying new trade and investment relationships.
Kambon, who was welcoming local and international delegates to the symposium, also thanked the Ministry of Trade for its supportive relationship which has blossomed over the years and sees ministry partnering with the ESC in the annual hosting of the symposium.
Bharath, who spoke at the opening of the business symposium at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre yesterday, said it "not only highlights our nation's rich culture but also seeks to strengthen the trade and investment ties between our Caribbean people and the African Diaspora."
"There is tremendous value in improving economic collaborations between the private and public sectors, as well as the Caribbean and African regions. As a result, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to enhancing the business environment, promoting investment, seeking market opportunities and arriving at modes of cooperation with the African continent."
He added: "There are particular synergies to be harnessed by the historical relationship. Those from the Southern regions of the world share this common history and actively looking to improve our historical linkages to develop sustainable economic partnerships.
"This symposium continues to be an excellent opportunity for the exchange of knowledge and information about our economic realities and for building and solidlying new trade and investment relationships. With this in mind this year's focus on South Sudan as an emerging nation provides tremendous development for mutually beneficial relationships."
The minister, who noted that the African continent is currently sixth among the ten fastest growing economies in the world, added: "According to the International Monetary Fund's World Economic Outlook, the countries on this list–including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Tanzania, Nigeria and Zambia–contain massive amounts of untapped natural resources, human capital and possibilities for economic engagement.
Within recent times the new interest in Africa's resources by multinationals in the West and Far East is evidence of Africa's awakening potential as a hub for foreign investors."
Bharath also used the opportunity to share with delegates developments in improving the ease of doing business in T&T and steps being taken to become more globally competitive.
Other speakers at the symposium included Dr. Judith Aidoo, CEO, Caswell Capital Partners Limited; Al Washington, executive director, Africa-USA International Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Waheed A. Olagunju, executive director, Business Development, Bank of Industry, Nigeria; and Chaile Seretse, South African attorney and business consultant.
The annual symposium, which had as its theme Reinventing the Triangle, provided an opportunity for exchanging knowledge and information about economic realities, and for building and solidifying new trade and investment relationships.