A delegation from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) embarked on a diplomatic mission to Trinidad and Tobago to discuss the possibility of forging Double Taxation and Bilateral Investment treaties.
This strategic move aims to enhance trade and cooperation between the two nations, fostering economic growth and mutual benefits.
The delegation engaged with representatives of Trinidad and Tobago’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TT Chamber) during the talks.
The Ghanaian team identified key sectors within Trinidad and Tobago’s economy, notably the manufacturing sector, as potential areas for collaboration with Ghanaian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
The CEO of GIPC, Yofi Grant, emphasised the potential for fruitful collaboration between the two countries.
He highlighted the complementarity of Ghana’s raw materials and Trinidad and Tobago’s industrial prowess, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
Grant emphasised, “T&T is really the industrial powerhouse of the Caribbean, so there is a lot to learn. But there is also a lot to trade, not only in goods but services.”
CEO of GEPA, Dr Afua Asabea Asare, shared plans to establish a Ghana Trade House in Trinidad and Tobago, serving as a platform to showcase Ghanaian culture, trade, and business offerings.
The T&T Chamber expressed eagerness to strengthen ties with Ghana and facilitate trade between the two nations.
To this end, the T&T Chamber announced its intention to conduct an audit of its members already involved in business activities in Africa, which will lay the foundation for future engagements.
President of the T&T Chamber, Kiran Maharaj, conveyed optimism about the prospects of collaboration, noting the promising opportunities in Ghana.
He emphasised the potential benefits of knowledge exchange, expertise sharing, investments, partnerships, and cultural interactions between the two countries.
The Ghanaian delegation extended discussions during a meeting with Trinidad and Tobago’s Trade Minister, Paula Gopee-Scoon, along with other key officials including Roger Roach, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), and Stephen De Gannes, CEO of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
Ms Gopee-Scoon acknowledged the vast potential for trade and investment between Trinidad and Tobago and Ghana.
She expressed optimism that bilateral engagements will lead to mutually beneficial partnerships, cultural exchanges, and economic growth for both nations.
This diplomatic endeavor underscores the commitment of Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago to explore new avenues of collaboration, leverage expertise, and foster robust trade and investment relationships to drive manufacturing and economic development in both countries.