Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, welcomed a courtesy visit from His Excellency Gustavo Daniel Veliz Olivares, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba on Tuesday 4 June, 2024 at the Ministry of Trade and Industry Headquarters, Port of Spain.
During the meeting, both parties acknowledged the long-standing and special relationship that the two countries have enjoyed over the decades.
Trinidad and Tobago was one of the first countries to establish formal diplomatic relations with Cuba over 50 years ago, a decision that led, simultaneously, to the establishment of diplomatic relations by Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana with the country the Ambassador noted. During the discussions, Minister Gopee-Scoon urged that new mechanisms be found to encourage further trade between both countries.
Trinidad and Tobago, generally a net exporter to Cuba, exported a diverse portfolio of products to the country in 2022. Top exports included both energy and non-energy products such as anhydrous ammonia, toilet tissue, glass bottles and aerated waters. In 2022, Trinidad and Tobago imported ten 10 products from Cuba, including non-energy products such as chlorine, iron containers, cigars, rum, electric water heaters and vehicle parts.
