TT, Venezuela to deepen collaboration

Minister Arias’ visit to Trinidad and Tobago resulted from a commitment made during the Official Visit to Venezuela, earlier this month, by Prime Minister Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley where he engaged in wide-rang ing discussions with Venezuelan President His Excellency Nicolas Maduro, aimed at deepening the bilateral relationship.

The Venezuelan Minister indicated that opportunities for joint collaboration exist in the areas of lumber and the downstream energy sector which would be mutually advantageous.

It should be noted that Venezuela currently has 500,000 hectres of pine forestry while Trinidad and Tobago has a developed downstream energy sector. Minister Gopee- Scoon expressed keen interest in exploring areas for collaboration including the possibility of Trinidad and Tobago serving as a distribution hub, both regionally and internationally, for products emanating from Venezuela.

The Ministers undertook to pursue the expansion of trade between both countries through appropriate bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Discussions also took place regarding music and culture.

Minister Gopee- Scoon cited the Creative Industries as a sector identified by the Government in its diversification agenda. Accompanying Minister Arias was Venezuela’s Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Her Excellency Coromoto Godoy Calder?n, Mr Jean Urdaneta, President, Maderas Del Orinoco and other Venezuelan Officials.