Senior officials of the T&T Manufacturers' Association (TTMA) led by president Dr Rolph Balgobin paid a courtesy visit to Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon at her Nicholas Tower Office on Wednesday.
During the visit, frank discussions were held about the current state of the local manufacturing sector and plans to ramp up the business model and variety of goods being produced, as well increasing the manufacturers' export opportunities.
Gopee-Scoon called on the manufacturers to assume their critical role in the nation's diversification agenda.
"Given the current economic climate, the private sector, in particular the manufacturing sector, is integral to the Government's diversification agenda. We need to see the sector grow more and to do this, it is imperative that innovation is present in the development of new products." she said.
"We need to utilise opportunities in our trade agreements and penetrate new markets for our local exporters."
Balgobin gave the commitment of the TTMA to support the diversification thrust stating: "The sector is prepared to work together to ensure the best economic interests of Trinidad and Tobago."
He also spoke of the need to work more closely with the ministry's state agencies–exporTT and TTBS–to ensure smooth access into untapped markets of interest. Accompanying Dr. Balgobin were directors Ashmeer Mohamed and Christopher Alcazar and CEO of TTMA, Ramesh Ramdeen.