PM to visit Chile in May

Speaking through an interpreter in Port-of- Spain on Tuesday, he said one of the main reasons for his visit was to finalise arrangements for Dr Rowley’s visit.

The Prime Minister’s visit will be aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries which Vice Minister Riveros said were already very good. Vice Minister Riveros said trading relationships between Trinidad and Tobago and Chile were very important as 92 percent of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) which Chile imports comes from this country.

He said Chile imports more than US$550 million worth of LNG from Trinidad and Tobago, contributing to total trade of US$573 million between the two countries.

He said there is a favourable trade balance largely because of the LNG imports, adding that Chile exports a few products to Trinidad and Tobago, in particular cellulose and has the capacity to export agricultural products as well.

During a hectic day in Port of Spain, Vice Minister Riveros met Minister of Trade and Industry, Paula Gopee- Scoon; Foreign Minister Dennis Moses and the Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States.

During the talks with Gopee-Scoon the two officials discussed the possibility of establishing a Partial Scope Trade Agreement between Trinidad and Tobago and Chile and Gopee-Scoon expressed strong value in having Chile as a trading partner and the desire to increase exports to that country.

Vice Minister Riveros outlined a number of areas for bilateral trade, namely, energy, agriculture, tourism and fisheries. Speaking to connectivity between both countries, he suggested the improvement of travel between Trinidad and Tobago and Chile. Gopee-Scoon supported the idea and indicated that Trinidad and Tobago can serve as a central port in the region for such travel arrangements.

They both expressed confidence that the bilateral Partial Scope Trade Agreement will benefit both countries.

In early May, Trinidad and Tobago and Chile are expected to hold the first meeting of the Working Group on Economic and Commercial Relations.

The working group will comprise technical officials from both countries and is expected to develop the framework for advancing bilateral trade relations.