TT exporters show promise in new markets

North America, South America, Europe and Asia are some of the markets being penetrated by eight local exporters.

This was disclosed during a recent meeting these exporters had with Trade and Industry Minister, Paula Gopee-Scoon, which was co-ordinated by ExporTT; Government’s export facilitation company.

Gopee-Scoon described the country’s export prospects from these local entrepreneurs as impressive and encouraging.

The minister said, "The discussions revealed existing and potential export opportunities in high quality gourmet foods, information technology and security value added services, agro processing, wine and speciality tea making and indigenous craft."

The minister added that "the constructive session pinpointed opportunities" for it and other government agencies to partner with these and similar businesses to facilitate their expansion and operation at full capacity.

According to the Trade Minister, "Government is very serious about entrepreneurship especially when it leads to foreign exchange earnings and import substitution."

"We have to introduce some other lines of assistance, providing you, the entrepreneurs with opportunities to bring your businesses to commercialisation. In order to scale up for export we must give consideration to product development, certification, facilities and other requirements cognisant of your potential to increase the country’s earnings."

Gopee-Scoon encouraged those involved in agro processing, in particular, to expand their involvement along the supply chain into raw material production. It was noted that one firm had processed over 20 tonnes of local produce with prospects in Canada and Argentina.