Trinidad and Tobago’s Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications Minister just met with 2 senior officials from Kenya and Canada at the Hyatt Regency to ‘talk business‘.

In his opening words to Senator Vasant Bharath, Minister of Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications, Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said he wanted to ‘broker ways in which UNCTAD can be of greater value to Trinidad and Tobago‘.

The Trinidad and Tobago Trade Minister said that the country will be happy to continue to receive the support of the United Nations as many Agencies were involved in ‘transformational change’ to remove the bureaucracies in doing business. In response, the Secretary General, a former Minister of Trade of Kenya, outlined the details of a rigorous training programme administered by UNCTAD in the area of port efficiency. His Excellency also detailed a sustainability in marine resources project – an ongoing collaboration with the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Mr. Henri-Paul Normandin, Director General, Latin America and Caribbean Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Canada; along with Gérard Latulippe, High Commissioner for Canada; and Mr. Barry Bristman, Political Counsellor, High Commission of Canada also met with the Trade Minister.

Mr. Normandin commented on the advancements made by Trinidad and Tobago in the ‘ease of doing business’ rankings, noting that this is ‘commendable’ and augurs well for future collaboration. Minister Bharath outlined the Government’s diversification agenda, with particular mention of the maritime and yachting sectors.

Minister Bharath also had a brief conversation with Her Excellency Coromoto Godoy, Ambassador of Venezuela.

These leaders were in Trinidad and Tobago attending the Regional Forum on the Future of the Caribbean, themed ‘New Thinking for New Times‘…

Accompanying the Minister of Trade at these meetings was Ms. Jacqueline Charles, Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications.