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Today Trinidad and Tobago, a twin island democratic nation situated in the Caribbean, has much to be proud of and thankful for. On 31st August, 1962 Independence was achieved and today Trinidad and Tobago is on a solid path of growth and development. With over 12 consecutive years of economic growth, Trinidad and Tobago has set itself the goal to achieve developed nation status by 2020.
At the High Commission, our mission is to increase tourism, trade and investments, to deepen cultural linkages and to foster greater people to people interaction between India and Trinidad and Tobago. To this end we are pleased to see the increase in travel between India and Trinidad and Tobago both for business and pleasure in the last two years.
We are now at a historic juncture in our relations. Over the last three years, under my tenure, the Mission has established a theme “Strengthening Relations—Trinidad and Tobago and India”. A number of firsts have been recorded, including the first ever carnival, first ever Indian Arrival Day celebrations and a hosts of activities and business promotions that have resulted in over 300 per cent increase in travel from India to Trinidad and Tobago. Also, significant investments have been made in Trinidad and Tobago by Indian companies, including ESSAR’s $1.8 billion investment in a steel plant. A major Indian bank, Bank of Baroda, has been given approval to do business in Trinidad and Tobago and very shortly the first Bollywood movie shot in Trinidad and Tobago, Dulha Mil Gaya, will be released.
On the cultural side, the India/Trinidad and Tobago Association has been formed and cultural and business delegations with an increased number of trade fairs have been going on in Trinidad and Tobago, strengthening relations further.
Last year a number of other interactions occurred, including a visit to Trinidad and Tobago by members of the Indian judiciary for friendship cricket matches with the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago.
Earlier this year in March under the dynamic leadership of the Minister of Trade and Industry, the Honourable Kenneth Valley, a Trade and Cultural delegation of over 70 persons visited India to strengthen relations further in the realm of trade and investments with India.
Strengthening relations between Trinidad and Tobago and India is possible because of many similarities:
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We are a diaspora country. As such there is significant cultural similarity. You will find names of places like Faizabad, Agra Street, Calcutta, Golconda, Madras Settlement etc. Hindi music and songs are very popular. Over five radio stations are all Indian format.
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We have a historical connect and similarity with India. A common colonial past, both democracies, a similar outlook on world affairs, a strong judicial system and English being the language of business and indeed our official language. Significantly also is our similarity in having a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural population.
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The love for cricket binds us. You have Sachin Tendulkar, we have Brian Lara.
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Trinidad and Tobago is the gateway to CARICOM and Latin America. Our geographic position between North Central and South America has imbued us with the goal of becoming the hub for investment, finance, manufacturing and transshipment. Favorable market access agreements coupled with Trinidad and Tobago’s other unique advantages will assure the investor from India both in manufacturing and services sector, hassle-free entry into Latin America, North America, Europe and Caribbean by setting up operations in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Trinidad and Tobago presents the investor with very attractive benefits, for example the ability to repatriate profits, to purchase land for residence and business operations, to incorporate and own a company fully and also free zones.
My expectation and hope is that as more information is available there will be greater people to people contact and collectively we can strengthen relations between Trinidad and Tobago and India to our mutual benefit.
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H.E. Pundit Maniedeo Persad
High Commissioner
New Delhi
August 31 2007
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