The Trinidad & Tobago Manufacturers' Association

Business View Magazine 5 and becoming immersed in all of its external trade ne- gotiations. “When the government is seeking to open new markets, it comes to the TTMA to get advice and find out what our needs are in these markets. We help inform and shape policy, since we are the largest stake- holder. We are part of the negotiating process.” No doubt, having a close working relationship with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment is an important requirement for an association such as the TTMA, considering that its 400 members comprise 95 percent of the islands’ exporters of both raw materials and manufactured goods. Fortunately, for the mutual benefit of the country and its manufacturing sector, Ramdeen had worked at the Ministry for 15 years be- fore coming to lead the TTMA, and a former head of the TTMA is now the country’s Minister of Trade. According to Ramdeen, while there are some two, to three thousand, manufacturers in Trinidad and Tobago, the TTMA mainly focuses on those companies inter- ested in exporting their products and services, abroad. The TTMA helps large companies seek out international markets and provides them with market intelligence in the international arena. For medium-sized companies, who produce for regional trade, the Association offers intelligence, opportunities for financing, and help with the shaping of government policy. For small compa- nies, the TTMA helps with trade negotiations, and pro- vides information on market trends and financing. Other functions of the TTMA include: monitoring all legislation and international trade agreements that af- fect its manufacturers; assisting them in understand- ing and maintaining required safety standards in their respective sectors; advising them on subjects such as labor relations, public relations, and advertising; find- ing sources of investment; offering education and as- sistance for local manufacturers in the efficient use of modern methods of manufacture and in the develop- ment of exports; and generating market expansion, both regionally and internationally, through local, re- gional and international trade fairs, exhibitions and for- eign trade missions.