Over 500 expected for trade convention 2004

MORE THAN 500 buyers and distributors from over 30 countries are expected to attend the Trade and Inves-tment Convention (TIC) 2004 from May 17 to 20 at the Hilton Hotel and Conference Centre. The Convention, now in its fifth year, was officially launched yesterday at the Hilton. Last year it brought in approximately $6 million in business transactions over four days, with the total business generated amounting to approximately US$20 million. TIC 2004 is a joint project of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), the Tourism and Industrial Development Com-pany Ltd (TIDCO) and RBTT Bank.

TTMA president, Anthony Hosang, said in its five years TIC has become the Caribbean’s most important trade event. He said it provided a means for companies to showcase their products and view those from across the globe, including countries like Canada, Austria, India, US, Central and South America and the Caribbean. “TIC is fast becoming one of the most important business development tools available to regional manufacturers and buyers,” Hosang stated, noting that the convention was more than a simple selling or buying opportunity. “What is more critical this year is the use of TIC as a business forum for networking, discussion and deepening our regional trade to sustain us in the large global market.” Hosang said exhibit space has already been booked by companies from TT, Canada and Europe.

Participation is expected from manufacturers, exporters, buyers, distributors, financial institutions, investors and suppliers among others. General manager, corporate banking at RBTT Bank, Lyndon Guiseppi, urged local businessmen to welcome the opportunity to interact with key players in their respective and related fields across the region. “We can no longer afford to simply talk about globalisation and liberalisation as theoretical constructs. This is a time to act. That is the reason why the Trade and Investment Conven-tion is so important.” Guiseppi added: “TIC is the critical forum which can facilitate the discovery of joint ventures and business partnering opportunities, while expanding trade potential by fostering linkages between the Caribbean and its major trading partners.”