Business View Caribbean - October 2015 15
Bharath described Trinidad and Tobago as “a pow-
erhouse in the Caribbean,” noting that “half ofthe
foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the Ca-
ribbean find their way to Trinidad and Tobago, ac-
cording to the UNCTAD World Investment Report
201.” He stated that “the basis of a successful econ-
omy goes right back to ambitious and empowered
people and I am certain as you peruse the Report, all
success stories are underlined by a loyal dedication
to putting people at the center of development and
putting country first.”
Minister Bharath took the opportunity to outline a
few of the Government’s plans for the future in an
effort to continue growing the economy. He said,
“In the manufacturing sector, we intend to double
exports of locally manufactured goods, double the
sectors contribution to GDP, and expand partner-
ships through increased and more focused export
financing mechanisms through EXIM Bank and the
establishment of a Center for Export Competitive-
ness to engage market research among other ini-
tiatives.” For the services sector, the Trade Minister
stated that “it is the Government’s goal to double
the services sectors contribution to GDP and the
number of jobs created through leveraging the exist-
ing foundation of advantages that we have to boost
the services export sector, especially in the form of
ICT enables services.”
Minister Bharath thanked the Oxford Business
Group for conducting its crucial analysis and report
on Trinidad and Tobago which reflected a reener-
gized nation, helping to promote us as a “sustain-
able investment destination.”
