Export Opportunities for Trinidad & Tobago

Arising out of the Trade Facilitation Office’s (TFO’s) base of contacts with licensed Cuban Import / Export companies, various market opportunities have been identified for Trinidad and Tobago Exporters in a range of industries. Table 1 provides a synopsis of the major sectors.

Table I

 

Sector / Product Opportunities

1.      Energy

A Trade Mission to Cuba was realised by the South Trinidad Chamber of Industry & Commerce (STCIC) during November 25 – 28, 2008. Membership mainly comprises companies which provide support services for the energy sector.

A complete itinerary, including matchmaking meetings, was organized by the TFO for the delegation in conjunction with the Ministry of the Basic Industry (MINBAS), CUPET, Ministry of Foreign Trade (MINCEX) and the Cuban Chamber of Commerce.

Opportunities for the provision of support services to Cuba’s Energy Sector were identified, including collaboration in the following major upcoming projects:

à        The re-gasification project in the province of Cienfuegos

à        The construction of a gas pipeline extending from Cienfuegos to Havana

à        Preparation of the oil pipeline extending from Matanzas to the Cienfuegos Refinery

à        The development of the petrochemical cluster in Cienfuegos

 

2.      Petrochemicals (ammonia, fertilizers, urea)

A request was made for the supply of urea from Trinidad. Up to 2008, local suppliers were unable to fulfill this request since, in most cases, production had already been pre-sold to other customers. Given different economic conditions in 2009, this opportunity is being further explored.

 

3.      Other Chemicals

­         Detergents in powder, liquid and paste form, including dishwashing liquid and bleach

­         Soap (laundry, bath)

­         Household cleaners

 

 

Sector / Product Opportunities

 

4.      Food & Beverage

­         Canned and processed food (meats, fruits, vegetables)

­         Wide range of snacks (inc. biscuits,  chocolates, sweets, potato chips

­         Sauces, seasonings and other condiments (inc. curry)

­         Baby Food

­         Alcoholic, as well as low and non-alcoholic beverages including juices, shandis etc.

 

5.      Personal Care & Clothing

­         Hair care (shampoos, relaxers etc.)

­         Cosmetics

­         Disposable Diapers

­         Feminine Napkins

­         T-Shirts and polos

­         Undergarments

­         Uniforms

­         Toilet paper and tissue related products

 

6.      Construction

­         Air condition units

­         Tiles (floor, roof)

­         Doors (interior, exterior, folding)

­         Aluminum bars

­         PVC fittings

­         Furniture (mattresses)

­         All Hardware related items

 

7.      Printing & Packaging

­         Plastic bags (printed)

­         Packaging for the pharmaceutical industry

 

 

 

April 2009