Online expo for Indian and Caribbean businesses

“The upcoming virtual exhibition ‘Trade and Business Opportunities between India and Caribbean countries’ being organised by World Trade Center Mumbai, in association with Indian Missions in the Caribbean region, is important as the target beneficiaries are SMEs, female entrepreneurs and startups, who are significant contributors to our local economy”, said Senator the Hon. Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, Trinidad and Tobago at the webinar on ‘Strengthening Bilateral Trade Relations between India and Caribbean Region’.

The programme was jointly organised by MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and High Commission of India in Georgetown, Guyana; High Commission of India in Kingston, Jamaica; High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago; Embassy of India in Havana, Cuba and Embassy of India in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Senator Gopee-Scoon remarked, “The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, through the Ministry of Trade and Industry, continues to support and encourage firms to strengthen and adapt their business models using ecommerce and digital platforms to extend their range of products and services to both the local and international markets.”

In his address, H.E. Mr. Arun Kumar Sahu, High Commissioner, High Commission of India, Trinidad & Tobago opined, “In the last few decades, India has achieved tremendous success in biotechnology, genetic engineering, material and space sciences and nano technology. Caribbean countries can also take advantage of India’s world-class higher education, pharma, textile and automobile prowess.”

Earlier in his Welcome Address, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai said, “Trade between India and the Caribbean region is not very significant, and there is tremendous scope for the two regions to enhance trade in sectors such as Plastics and Chemicals, Information Technology, Pharma, Ayurveda and Wellness, Agro and Agro-biotechnology, Wind and Solar Energy, Textiles, Garments and Home Décor, Higher Education, and Auto and Engineering.

With the objective of expanding commercial opportunities in these sectors between Indian and the Caribbean region, WTC Mumbai, in association with the High Commissions of India in Georgetown, Guyana; Kingston, Jamaica; Trinidad and Tobago; and Embassies of India in Havana, Cuba and Paramaribo, Suriname is organising a three-month-long Online Exhibition, commencing from 16th August 2021. Businesses can explore opportunities arising out of the growing synergies between the two regions.”

The event was also addressed by Ms. Diane Edwards, President, Jamaica Promotion Corporation, Mr. Richie Sookhai, President, The Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce and Mr. Paul Cheong, Chairman, Private Sector Commission, Guyana.

Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai proposed the Vote of Thanks.

The programme was attended by government officials, Consular Corps, members of trade and industry and industry bodies in India and the Caribbean region.