March 13, 2019: – Local paint manufacturers, ANSA Coatings Limited today, March 13, loaded a container with over €500,000 worth of product bound for Cuba, the company’s newest export market. Minister of Trade and Industry Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon who witnessed the event stated that the Government was pleased with the company’s penetration of the additional market. This, she added, would create jobs, increase exports and generate foreign exchange. “The Cuban market is significant for us with 11 million people and another 3 million in tourist. Cuba as a trading partner remains important to Trinidad and Tobago. 80% of the goods from the region entering Cuba originates in Trinidad and Tobago.” The Government, she stated, intends to continue to pursue opportunities for local businesses in that jurisdiction.
Her Excellency Tania Diego Olite, the Cuban Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago who also present said it was an important step in strengthening economic and diplomatic relations between the two Caribbean countries. She also anticipated an increase in these interchanges in future. Minister Gopee-Scoon concurred citing the need for increased two way trade. Local companies involved in Information Communication Technology, Surveying, Recycling and Energy, Petroleum and Gas, Construction Products, Electricity and Design, Transport and Shipping and Printing and Packaging, Ice Cream and Paints are on the cusp of entering Cuba ably supported by exporTT’s Trade Facilitation Office in that country.
ANSA Coatings commenced activities to enter Cuba over two years ago. Construction Sector Head of the ANSA MCal Group, Mr Adam Sabga, indicated that access to this new market attests to the quality of its products which was developed in Trinidad and Tobago with local expertise. Mr Christian Llanos, Managing Director of ANSA Coatings Limited thanked the Government for the support provided. This expansion he said would earn foreign exchange which was beneficial to both the country and the company.
