Eximbank, YBTT host School Export Pitch competition

THE covid19 pandemic has brought out the innovation within the student community, as evidenced by the quality of videos pitched by a diverse group of students from schools across the country in the School Export Pitch Competition.

A media release said the competition, an event commemorating Global Entrepreneurship Week 2020 and hosted by Eximbank and Youth Business TT (YBTT), challenged participants to pitch a business idea with export potential and superiority worthy of further development.

Desaiae Defour, a sixth form student at Bishop Anstey High School, Port of Spain, won first place with her idea of the possibilities of skin and beauty products from the cocoa industry. Second place went to Akiela Browne, fifth form student at ASJA Girls’ College, Barrackpore, whose idea was encouraging local farmers to export hot peppers. Fifth form student Ireal Daly of Naparima College placed third with his idea of an Online Fitness Programme.

Chief executive officer of Eximbank Navin Dookeran said in the release, “It’s impressive to see how the talent and innovative skills of our youths unveiled through this competition; such activities promise great hope that once our youths put their mind to achieve they will.”

Shedron Collins, general manager, YBTT said, “Youths are at the core of YBTT’s mandate and this initiative reinforced the pivotal role of students in amplifying the national ecosystem.”