Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago hold Joint Ministerial Meeting on Market Access
The Co-operative Republic of Guyana today convened a virtual Joint Ministerial Trade and Agricultural Meeting with the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to discuss market access difficulties experienced by Guyana when exporting agricultural products to Trinidad and Tobago.
In his welcoming remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Honourable Hugh Todd welcomed Minister of Trade and Industry, Trinidad and Tobago, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, and her delegation. The Foreign Minister noted that as small states, the two countries often face challenges while contending in a rather competitive global arena. Further, the Foreign Minister stated, “it is for us to be able to engage fruitfully at the political level with the support of our technical teams” to enjoy the benefits afforded by the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
For her part, Minister Gopee-Scoon congratulated Minister Todd and Minister of Trade, Industry and Commerce, the Honourable Oneidge Walrond on their recent appointments. Additionally, Minister Gopee-Scoon stated that the relationship with Guyana, which stems from the days of independence, continues to be of importance to the twin-island state. Furthermore, she noted that Guyana is a major market for products from Trinidad and Tobago.
During the meeting, the delegations discussed market access to Trinidad and Tobago, particularly the ban on the importation of poultry meat from Guyana, the formalisation of an agreement to regulate trade in equine, and the trans-shipment of honey, among others. The delegations pledged to hold further discussions amongst the technical experts.
The Joint Ministerial Meeting was also attended by Minister of Trade, Industry and Commerce, the Honourable Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Trinidad and Tobago, Senator the Honorable Clarence Rambharat, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, and technical experts.