December 8, 2016: Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry delivered the Feature Address at the Penal/Debe Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Christmas Dinner on Friday 02 December, 2016 at Achievors Auditorium, San Fernando. In delivering her address the Trade and Industry Minister applauded the Chamber’s contribution to the advancement of the communities in which it operates. She said ‘you have been a voice for equity, good governance and service and the economic landscape of the Penal/Debe area is testament to your great work’.
Minister Gopee-Scoon encouraged business owners present to expand their export capacity. She stated that ‘in an effort to assist the private sector to increase exports to foreign countries, we are pursuing the implementation of the Partial Scope Trade Agreement with Panama and the conclusion of other Agreements. Under the Agreement with Panama, traders can benefit from zero or reduced customs duties on certain products being exported to the Panamanian market. In addition, importers can benefit from zero or reduced duties on specific products being imported from Panama.’ She gave the commitment of the Government to work with the Chamber to create that enabling environment for businesses to prosper and thrive. She said ‘we will assist manufacturers with accessing non-traditional markets such as those in Latin America through Government to Government arrangements, trade facilitation and promotional visits. The Ministry of Trade and Industry is intent on continuing consultations and dialogue with all stakeholders in the manufacturing, commercial and industrial sectors to proactively address issues pertinent to trade and competitiveness’.
Mr. Shiva Roopnarine, President, Penal/ Debe Chamber of Commerce in his Address highlighted some challenges being experienced by the membership which the Chamber would like to have addressed. Minister Gopee-Scoon assured the President that the issues raised were receiving the attention of the Government. Mr. Roopnarine gave the assurance that the Chamber will continue to interface and collaborate with the Government, Governmental Agencies and other relevant groups to bring about and influence changes that are intended to develop the business sector and the society at large.
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For further information please contact:
The Corporate Communications Unit
Ministry of Trade and Industry
868-623-8480/623-2931