Trinidad and Tobago begins negotiations with Guatemala

Minister of Trade and Industry, the Honourable Stephen Cadiz

April 24, 2012:

On April 11, Trinidad and Tobago began negotiations with Guatemala to develop a partial-scope trade agreement.

Leading the local negotiating team was trade ambassador Mervyn Assam, while Sonia Lainfiesta led the Guatemalan team. Both said they were confident the negotiations were in the interest of the people of the two nations.

The negotiations were held at the offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Port of Spain. The agenda included market access, rules of origin, trade facilitation and customs procedures, services and investment and legal and institutional issues.

Trade and Industry Minister Stephen Cadiz, who spoke at the start of the negotiations, outlined reasons for the negotiations.

He noted that Trinidad and Tobago had the largest economy in Central America, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$41.5 billion.

Cadiz also pointed out that Guatemala would provide an attractive market for local products as well as reduce the concentration of Trinidad and Tobago’s traditional markets in Caricom, Europe and North America.

Article courtesy www.jyoticommunication.blogspot.com