July 25, 2016: Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry attended the Cunupia Business Owners’ Association Eid Dinner and the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce’ Emancipation Dinner on Saturday 23 July, 2016.
At the Cunupia Business Owners’ Association’s EID Dinner, the overarching theme was one of a ‘celebration of true love and harmony’.
The Trade and Industry Minister, in her Address, noted that ‘one of the key lessons that can be gained from activities surrounding Ramadan is that of collaboration and cooperation. The preparation for beginning, and also breaking, the fast requires the coming together of different people from different backgrounds, families and personalities for a single and mutually beneficial purpose. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has a formidable role to play and values the relationships it has developed over the years with all stakeholders. Just over a week ago, the Ministry partnered with the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), as well as several other private sector groups, in hosting the 18th Annual Trade and Investment Convention. The direct effect being improved business to business relations; increased profits and jobs; and greater contribution to the national purse.
In addition to creating opportunities to promote Trinidad and Tobago’s goods and services, the Government has also embarked on the development of a Special Economic Zones regime to allow for new, sustainable domestic and foreign investment opportunities in the non-energy sector. But it is not enough to simply speak of partnerships and cooperation. It must be made easy, if anyone is to benefit. It is the reason that the Ministry of Trade and Industry is working closely with other Ministries and Agencies (Ministry of Finance, Legal Affairs, Agriculture, National Security, to name a few) to improve and expand the capacity of our Single Electronic Window – TTBizLink, through a loan arrangement with the Inter-American Development Bank to make doing business in Trinidad and Tobago easier. It remains incumbent on Government to be the facilitator of efficient and effective business, trade and investment’.
She also highlighted the importance of family businesses, stating that ‘family businesses are the life blood of our economy and are invaluable in their contribution to national GDP and employment, and the provision of goods and services that perhaps larger firms are unwilling to undertake. Some of the characteristics that make family businesses successful are sustained and predictable leadership, and an aligned system of core values. If done right, success will breed success’.
In his welcome address, the Association’s President, Mr. Rasheed Ali admonished that ‘we should cherish this freedom which is not enjoyed by so many across the world. Please reflect on the values of Ramadan’. Dr. Roshan Ali provided the audience with a reminder of what Eid means, the importance of the Holy month of Ramadan – with particular emphasis on the lessons of love, devotion. Mr. Liaquat Ali, President of the Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce also brought greetings and wished ‘the good work of the Chamber well’.
At the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce’ Emancipation Dinner the Feature Address was delivered by Mr. Kafra Kambon, Chairman of the Emancipation Support Group. Mr. Avinash Singh, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources and His Worship the Mayor of Chaguanas, Mr. Gopaul Boodhan were also in attendance.
Photo Caption: Mr. Rasheed Ali, President, Cunupia Business Owners’ Association as he delivers the Welcome Address
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For more information please contact:
Corporate Communications
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Level 17, Nicholas Tower
63-65 Independence Square
Port of Spain.
Tel: (868) 625-9947/623-2931 ext. 2714 / Fax: (868) 627-3913