The Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Symposium
The Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Symposium is an important forum for creating and expanding business and trade linkages between Trinidad and Tobago, Africa and the rest of the Diaspora. The Symposium combines enlightening discussions with opportunities for networking. Over the past 15 years, the Symposium has featured prominent business professionals from across the diaspora including Ms. Judith Aidoo, CEO, Caswell; Mr. Harry Alford, President National Black Chamber of Commerce (USA); Prince Billy Harry, Vice President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mining & Agriculture; representatives of the AU, ECOWAS, the World Bank. Delegations have attended from South Africa, Uganda, Nigeria and other African countries and provided the impetus for trade delegations between Africa and Trinidad and Tobago. It is an essential vehicle for growth, development and prosperity for Trinidad and Tobago as well as for the nations of Africa and the Diaspora around the world.
WELCOME TO THE 22nd TRANS ATLANTIC TRADE AND INVESTMENT SYMPOSIUM
The Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad & Tobago in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association is pleased to invite you to our 22nd annual Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Symposium which will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Trinidad on Wednesday July 31, 2024, 8:00am to 4:00pm.
The theme for 2024 is: Dismantling Barriers and Strengthening Economic Ties Between Africa and the Caribbean”
The Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Symposium 2024 will bring together as is customary, a range of local and international actors representing key economic sectors to discuss and arrive at modes of cooperation between Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean and continental African businesses. The goal is to enhance the competencies and competitiveness of all parties in various domestic and international markets, with a particular focus on the growing economies of Africa. The symposium will also engage policy issues related to economic cooperation and the facilitation of mutually beneficial business relationships in the targeted regions and sectors.
The annual symposia bring together representatives of the Government of Trinidad & Tobago, the business sectors of the Caribbean, other Western countries, including the USA, and African countries. Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Trade and Industry will formally open the symposium.
The feature speaker for the 22nd annual Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Symposium is Mr. Michael Sudarkasa, CEO of the Africa Business Group (ABG). ABG is an African economic development company, which includes separate business entities for consulting, media, energy and business tourism. Mr Sudarkasa is currently the International Trade and Infrastructure Chair of the Africa CSO Committee of the Africa-EU Partnership Forum. He is a past Chair of the African Law Committee of the Section of International Law of the American Bar Association and served on the Board of the Calver New Africa Fund. He has vast experience as a commercial attorney and economic development practitioner, specializing in African private sector development, international trade and investment promotion and facilitation, corporate finance and private equity investment.
Mr. Sudarkasa has travelled, studied, or worked in 32 African countries. He has also authored several articles and publications related to African trade and investment, including: the Inclusive Business Finance Field Guide (UNDP 2012); and The African Business Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Business Resources for African Trade and Investment. He is also the co-author of Investing in Africa: An Insider’s Guide to the Ultimate Emerging Market.
Following presentations by featured guests, three panel discussions will take place looking at the following topics:
- Review of achievements and successes following the 2023 Trade Symposium and recommendation for action during the period 2024- 2025
- Strengthening Connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean to facilitate increased trade between the two regions.
- Accessing Energy and Non-Energy business opportunities / Opportunities in the creative sector for partnering between Caribbean and Africa
Hyatt Regency Hotel, Wednesday July 31st, 2024 from 8am-4pm.
