Intl trade pros to play key role in TT’s export capacity

At the ceremony on January 27, at the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce in Westmoorings, it was revealed that the programme which is a nine month e-learning course, is accredited by the Institute of Export and delivered by eBSI Export Academy.

The graduates included persons from exporting firms and also staff members of exporTT Limited.

Gopee-Scoon told the graduates that, “the understanding and appreciation gained about international trade will inevitably and ultimately result in more resilient and competitive businesses, and by extension, a stronger economy.” She added that ‘as newly recognized International Trade Specialists, all of you have a role to play in building our nation. Exporters now have the tools and enhanced knowledge-base to better navigate the global trading system; while those of you attached to exporTT will now have the knowledge to be more effective facilitators, as you treat closely with exporters and importers’.

Gopee-Scoon indicated that the Ministry of Trade and Industry, guided by Government Policy, continues to focus on increasing export capacity and competitiveness of value added goods and services, improving the business and trade-enabling environment and strengthening the Institutional Framework for Trade.

She said the Ministry is in the process of completing a comprehensive National Export Strategy (NES), aimed at improving the competitiveness of exporters by strengthening their business knowledge and exporting competencies; enhancing administrative efficiency of trade related services, via a reduction in the cost and delivery time of services provided by public trade related institutions; and providing greater support to help exporters penetrate targeted overseas markets, towards increasing and promoting the international profile and desirability of the country’s exports.

She expressed confidence that the implementation of the NES will have a major and real impact on Trinidad and Tobago’s exports and overall trade competitiveness noting that this reflects the Government’s on-going commitment to foster an open trade environment, appropriate for both budding and already established exporters.

Ashmeer Mohamed, Chairman of exporTT Limited in his address commended exporTT’s management for conducting the International Trade Specialist programme. He said this programme will allow exporTT to lay the foundation for the capacity building that would accelerate growth in exports and diversification, thereby achieving our mandate which is to grow and diversify the exports of Trinidad and Tobago away from oil and gas.

He added that, as the international trade environment becomes increasingly competitive and challenging, we are constantly seeking innovative ways to keep in step with international trade “best practice” to creatively overcome perceived obstacles.

Never before has the role of exporTT been more crucial in developing the talent to take products internationally, especially to larger, more complex markets like Latin America, EU, Africa, and worldwide.