00:00It's the coming together of three state entities to birth something that is efficient,
00:04cost-effective and modern. This is the view of Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopi-Skoon
00:10as she spoke during the installation of the board for the new entity,
00:14TT Trade and Investment Promotion Agency. This new brand will replace Export TT,
00:20Invest TT and Creative TT. So what makes this agency different from its predecessors?
00:27The decision to establish a new agency was also based on the need to strengthen
00:32and modernize the country's export and investment promotion institutional arrangements to be on par
00:40or even above similar high-profile regional and international agencies. The new agency represents
00:47a crucial advancement in the government's strategy to boost trade, attract investment
00:54and drive sustainable growth and development for our nation, focusing on several sectors.
00:59According to the Minister, the decision to integrate the services into one agency was
01:04not taken lightly. She said an assessment was needed and the relevant steps taken
01:10to develop a strategic plan that would better serve the country. We would also be streamlining
01:16and integrating all of the services as businesses will benefit from simplified access to a cohesive
01:22and comprehensive suite of services ranging from market intelligence and export facilitation
01:30to investment promotion. Of course, having one agency will also be saving on operational costs.
01:37The agency will not only focus on enhancing trade relations but also simplifying its investment
01:43processes. The newly installed board has an important role to play in ensuring the agency
01:48achieves its objectives, according to the Minister. The board is chaired by Ms. Franca Castello,
01:55with Calvin Bijoux as its deputy chairman. The directors are Mr. Bevan Narainsingh,
02:02Ms. Alicia Hackshaw, Mr. Gerard Noel, Mr. Christopher Alcazar, Dr. Mahindra Ramesh Ramdeen,
02:10Ms. Alicia Cabrera, Ms. Amoy Romero, representative of the Tobago House of Assembly,
02:17and Mr. Rahim Mohamed. Akshaya Galston, TV6 News.
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