The relationship between the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has been strengthened, following the recent visit by TTMA President Tricia Coosal and TTMA CEO Dr Mahindra Ramesh Ramdeen.
Ms Coosal and Dr Ramdeen paid a courtesy call on Chief Secretary Farley Augustine and his executive team on Friday 2 December 2022—the first ever visit by a TTMA President to the Chief Secretary’s Office in Tobago.
An official statement from the TTMA reports that talks between both parties included THA’s greater participation at the upcoming Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) 2023.
Chief Secretary Augustine noted that the format of Tobago’s participation at TIC in 2022 was strategic, and similarly, 2023’s participation would be planned with the objective of showcasing Tobago’s entrepreneurship, culture and enterprises.
Also discussed at the meeting were an inward buyers’ mission to Tobago in early 2023 and greater participation by Tobago’s entrepreneurs in TTMA’s activities, including but not limited to, Trade Missions.
Chief Secretary Augustine made a commitment to have several Tobago manufacturers participate in the upcoming Trade Mission to Grenada, which is being hosted by the TTMA at the end of January 2023.
Ms. Coosal highlighted the,
“Tobago has a strong history of entrepreneurship, and it is our hope through continuous dialogue and exchange of ideas, the TTMA can assist these small and medium enterprises,” said TTMA President Tricia Coosal, as she underscored the importance of the visit.
“Trinidad and Tobago is one entity and one state,” Tricia Coosal stated, “and so the Association is committed to growing the non-energy manufacturing sector in the country.”
She added: “Tobago’s entrepreneurs are part of this growing process and the TTMA would do all that it can to assist these establishments to grow their operations, increase export and become net earners of foreign exchange.”
The Chief Secretary indicated that there are many opportunities for business operators from Trinidad to partner with Tobago enterprises. He pointed to areas of investment for Construction, Health and Beauty and Tourism as sectors that are likely to show considerable growth in 2023.
Chief Secretary Augustine also alluded to the possibility of contract manufacturing in the Food and Beverage Sector by Trinidadian companies wishing to partner with Tobagonian operators, all in an effort to assist competencies and build economies of scale for SME operators in Tobago.
TTMA President Coosal noted that these possibilities would be explored with her members. She also committed to continuing to build upon synergies created between both entities.
“TTMA has created a space on its Board by its present executive to accommodate Tobago entrepreneurship,” she added.