T&T delegation proposes 7-point plan to unlocking economic integration

As Trinidad and Tobago’s Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce began its trade mission to Guyana, Trinidad High Commissioner to Guyana, Conrad Enill has proposed a seven-point plan to sustain the existing business relations between the two countries.
The plan is set to span the years 2024 to 2030, and the points range from energy security collaboration, unlocking economic integration, learning from Trinidad’s management expertise, business opportunities, addressing challenges through cooperation, embracing sustainability, and investing in human capital. Amid all points, Enill gave great focus towards the energy security collaboration as he believes Guyana’s strategic location and abundant resources stand at the forefront of the regional movement.

Within that context, Enill said that there were significant opportunities for Trinbago in that Trinidad and Tobago entrepreneurs have the chance to engage with Guyana’s developing economy, contributing to its growth agenda.
“The collaborative efforts between Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname hold immense significance in addressing the energy security concerns of our Region,” he stated as he then explained that Guyana and Suriname’s untapped energy potential presents an exciting avenue for Trinidad and Tobago businesses to explore partnerships and investment opportunities, reinforcing our collective energy resilience. Further, he then highlighted an issue within energy security collaboration which was described by him as an issue which has not set upon us as yet, but will soon come at some point in time. According to him, the conversation around fossil fuels needs to be considered with consideration lent towards coal.
“Coal still represents 30 per cent of our problem. We have coal, we have oil, we have gas, we have renewables. We need to get rid of the 30 per cent before we try to interfere with gas. And even when we get to gas, we need to understand that gas is a transition fuel and even if you go into renewables, gas is your backup in that context,” Enill said.
“What we need to do, is do what we are doing but better, more efficiently. We should combine resources, have less wastage, become more efficient, and basically control the market,” Enill expressed.
Meanwhile, Enill also highlighted that persons could learn from Trinidad’s expertise in management as he said that Trinidad and Tobago’s success in managing its hydrocarbon sector was something we should lend great focus to and learn from.
The trade mission will run for two days as part of business-to-business (B2B) meetings organised by the Together We Win Business Network. The event will take place at the Herdmanston Lodge in Georgetown, with Baldath Maharaj, the Chamber’s President, leading the delegation.
The mission includes professionals representing various sectors, such as mechanical engineering, private investigation, environmental management, event management, printing, architecture, and healthcare services.