OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES OF ECONOMIC DECLINE
Building South-South Business Relationships with a Focus on Africa
The 2016 Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Symposium organized by the Emancipation Support Committee in conjunction with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation takes a positive and proactive approach to dealing with the economic challenges arising mainly from declines in prices and production of oil and gas. The symposium which will be formally opened by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Senator Paula Gopee-Scoon, will take place at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre on Friday 29th July, 2016.
The primary goal of the symposium is to provide information and enabling contacts to encourage and facilitate business expansion outside of Trinidad and Tobago. Building on some of the successes of the first fifteen annual symposiums, the 16th edition will add to the countries highlighted over the past years.
One of the most promising developments in the region is the easing of US sanctions on Cuba which paves the way for that country to play a far more significant role in the Caribbean and Latin American economy. This applies to its role in Africa as well as where the Caribbean island has distinguished itself in many ways earning tremendous goodwill that will be converted to economic opportunity. Cuba will be represented at the symposium by Mr. Jesus Gonzalves, who is the Caribbean Coordinator in the country’s Ministry for Foreign Trade and Investment.
Dr Abdoulaye Bathily, who will deliver the keynote address at the business symposium, will provide information on countries which have not drawn much attention from Trinidad & Tobago, but nevertheless provide opportunities for trade, investment and the provision of services. As a former Minister in the Government of Senegal and current Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Africa and Head UN Regional Office for Central Africa, Dr. Bathily is well poised to brief participants about Senegal; still one of the world’s fastest growing economies, and countries with potential within the Central African region.
Mr. Amadu Massally, a former advisor to President Koroma of Sierra Leone, who is currently a Consultant coordinating a Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment and Trade Study for the World Bank, will add another dimension to the focus on Sierra Leone following up on the discussion opened by Ambassador Chidi Minah last year.
In some West African countries where Trinidad and Tobago is well established, Ghana for example, there are a range of available opportunities outside of those where success has been documented. Mr. Kojo Afenya, President and CEO of Trust Group Limited of Ghana, the country’s largest importer and exporter of steel and steel products has a lot to contribute to the symposium. Apart from the steel business, subsidiaries are involved in gold mining, agriculture, agri-processing, all of which enjoy a range of export markets. Mr. Afenya is willing to learn what Trinidad and Tobago has to offer and to use his experience as a practical guide to doing business successfully in Ghana and in other West African countries.
South African attorney and business consultant, Mr. Chaile Seretse, who specializes in corporate expansion into jurisdictions on the African continent will present a wide range of opportunities in the South African context with information on accessing opportunities and the offer of specific services.
Mr. Ayodele Ganiu, National coordinator of CORA/Arterial Network, Nigeria, part of a network embracing over 40 African countries will focus on utilizing culture and the arts in development, including the tourism component.
Building relationships with African-Americans who have already established a solid footprint on the continent of Africa is one way of moving ahead. Ms. Gena Bradford, CEO of PMG3 Enterprises Inc. of the USA is one of the speakers of special interest for those in the construction industry in particular. With 25 years of experience in the USA and Africa, she currently manages major construction projects worth over $13 billion TT in Ghana and Kenya. On June 23, 2016 she signed an MOU with the Ooni of Ife to follow up on projects planned for Nigeria.
This year the symposium for the second time has the privilege to present to participants Dr. Judith Aidoo, CEO of Ghana-based merchant bank, Caswell Capital Partners Limited, financial advisor to private companies, international institutions, multinational corporations and governments. She will also be here in her capacity as an entrepreneur and private investor.
The ESCTT is pleased to be able to facilitate such an array of distinguished foreign participants who will be joined by Trinidad and Tobago counterparts for a day of rich discussion of business possibilities and opportunities.
For further information, contact the transatnet.esc@gmail.com or call the office of the Chairman 633 9236.