On Wednesday, October 25, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon received a courtesy call from His Excellency Shahbaz Mansoor Malik, High Commissioner for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan at the Ministry of Trade and Industry headquarters in Port of Spain.
The Minister welcomed His Excellency to Trinidad and Tobago and expressed her pleasure in meeting another official from a fellow country of the Commonwealth. During the courtesy call, the parties discussed improving trade linkages between the two nations in non-energy sectors such as textiles and pharmaceuticals among others.
The High Commissioner noted that diplomatic relations were established between Trinidad and Tobago and Pakistan just after the twin-island’s Independence in 1962. He added that with Pakistan’s population of 120 million there are many needs, presenting further opportunities for trade. Noting the potential for nearshoring, Minister Gopee-Scoon said, “Pakistan is certainly a trade relationship that can grow.”
Among Trinidad and Tobago’s exports to Pakistan for 2022 were waste and scrap paper or paperboard, and waste and scrap of iron and steel, while imports included bed linen, iron oil/gas pipelines, and rice.
In addition to merchandise trade, locally, there are opportunities for trade in services, including health tourism, financial and professional services. Furthermore, there are opportunities and incentives for investment in areas such as agriculture, manufacturing, commercial marine services, leisure marine services and renewable energy.
Mr. Amjad Ali, Honorary Consul of Pakistan, accompanied His Excellency on the courtesy visit. Also in attendance were Mr. Randall Karim, Permanent Secretary; Ms. Ava C. Mahabir-Dass, Deputy Permanent Secretary; Ms. Susan Singh – Seerattan, Director of Trade; and Ms. Krystal Harrylal, Senior Economist (Ag.).
His Excellency presented his credentials to Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, on Tuesday.
