Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago on Friday participated in a a Joint Ministerial Trade and Agricultural Meeting to discuss market access difficulties experienced by Guyana when exporting agricultural products to the twin-island republic.
The two sides 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 meeting was convened by Guyana which was represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd. Trinidad and Tobago was represented by Senator Paula Gopee-Scoon, and her delegation.
Minister Todd said that as small states, the two countries often face challenges while contending in a rather competitive global arena.
He said, “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 said that Trinidad’s relationship with Guyana, which stems from independence, continues to be of importance to the twin-island state. She said too that Guyana is a major market for products from Trinidad and Tobago.
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, Oneidge Walrond; Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud and Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago, Senator Clarence Rambharat, Technical experts were also in attendance. (Modified from the Department of Public Information)
