August 10, 2017: The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is focused on further cementing its relationship with the People’s Republic of China. This was echoed by the Honourable Camille Robinson-Regis, Minister of Planning and Development and His Excellency Song Yumin, Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago during a courtesy call to the Ministry of Planning and Development on August 9, 2017. Dry docking and the development of industrial parks in Trinidad and Tobago were some of the areas already being examined by China’s Exim bank to assess funding possibilities.
Minister Robinson-Regis raised interest in collaborating on development projects involving Tobago as well as environmental support for Trinidad and Tobago as a small island developing state (SID).
Both parties also mentioned economic transformation and diversification opportunities with the Chinese Ambassador mentioning agriculture, agro industry and food processing as an area for China to provide developmental support to Trinidad and Tobago. A project already exists between the University of the West Indies and the China Agriculture University aimed at finding ways to increase agricultural productivity and reduce the food import bill. Minister Robinson-Regis also emphasized her belief that a cooperative arrangement with China will be a great learning opportunity for Trinidad and Tobago in terms of industrial and technological development. China’s history with Trinidad and Tobago has also involved the health care sector, agriculture and technical cooperation.
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For further information please contact:
The Corporate Communications Unit
Ministry of Planning and Development
868- 612-3000 Ext: 2073