June 20, 2018:- Minister of Trade and Industry Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon recently met with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, His Excellency Rogelio Sierra Diaz to discuss among other things, opportunities for increased trade with Cuba. Trinidad and Tobago is currently Cuba’s largest CARICOM trading partner, recording 80% of trade in the region.
His Excellency indicated his visit was part of the active reengagement of partners under the leadership of the country’s new president Miguel Diaz-Canel who was elected earlier this year. He indicated that Cuba recorded significant investment in 2017 in the Mariel Special Economic Development Zone which is a symbol of economic collaboration and continues to seek out new foreign investment.
At the meeting, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, expressed pleasure with the visit which she stated, demonstrates intensified relations with Cuba. “Your market is important to us,” she added, “we do have a presence in Cuba and the increased connectivity by air with direct flights by state carrier Caribbean Airlines has increased access to tourists, business persons and valuable human resources and will further strengthen relations.”
The Minister emphasised that Trinidad and Tobago continues to exercise strong fraternal relations with Cuba which commenced under the leadership of the country’s first Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams and which has continued with successive Administrations. She affirmed that economic ties and trade and investment links continue to be strengthened and cited similarities in the economies of both countries which require an intensified drive to attract foreign investment.
