US entrepreneur hails TT’s rapid growth

THE STRIDES and progress achieved by Trinidad and Tobago in recent years in stability and fast economic growth have been hailed by an American entrepreneur.

Mike Schmidt, Vice-President (Operations) of Office 1 Superstores International did so on Wednesday at the official opening of the first Office 1 Superstore at 14-17 Victoria Square, Port-of-Spain. “In view of all the advantages offered by Trinidad, we specifically selected it to be a showcase and platform from which to expand into the neighbouring countries of the West Indies and Caribbean,” he said Schmidt  said the store was created and financed by Trinidad entrepreneurs with close cooperation and know-how transferred from the United States. “Local entrepreneurs own it. It will create jobs and it will offer product variety and low prices to the Trinidad consumers who will now shop locally for hard to find speciality products rather than look for them overseas,” said Schmidt. He said his franchise will open more stores in the country as the market dictates.

Managing Director Jerome Marquez said Office 1 Superstore will be offering for sale, different brands and lines of office stationery, office furniture and office equipment. “What this would mean is that almost any and everything that individuals may need, would be  readily available at Office 1 Superstore,” he said. Mayor of  Port-of-Spain, Murchison Brown congratulated Marquez and his fellow investors for forging a strategic alliance with the international franchise holders. He told the audience that Trinidad and Tobago was well known for its good industrial climate, “and with the advance of globalisation, many North American, Canadian and European companies are showing keen interest in setting up business here.” The Mayor said he was always keen on new ideas and suggestions for improving the quality of life and service to burgesses. “We are attempting to reverse years of environmental neglect and deteriorating infrastructure.  We know the turnaround is slow, but changes are already visible, and my Council is committed to the mission of making Port-of-Spain a modern municipal centre,” he said.