The India-Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce announces its registration with a launching date in mid-September in Trinidad. A similar launching will take place in India later in the year. The plan is to have a functioning secretariat in Trinidad to facilitate trade between the two Republics. At the launching ceremony in September, the new organization plans to invite the Minister of Trade and Industry of India and his counterpart in Trinidad as well as other Ministers and officials from the two countries. Another high profile personality from India is also invited to open the event. His Excellency, Malay Mishra of India, will be a key person at the launching. A meeting to plan the activities relating to the launching will be held this Thursday in Port of Spain involving the representatives of some 30=2 0trade and business organizations.

The concept of a trade organization to promote and expand trade between India and T&T was the brain child of NY-based businessman and engineer, Deo Gosine, formerly of Penal and San Fernando. He traveled to India last year and earlier this year to meet with trade officials as well as members of India’s Chamber of Commerce to promote the idea. Gosine also made three trips to Trinidad this year to discuss the concept with businessmen and members of various Chambers of Commerce. Gosine met with India’s High Commissioner, Malay Mishra and T&T’s High Commissioner to India, Manideo Prashad in India and in Trinidad and both HCs endorsed the concept.

There was widespread support and enthusiasm for the establishment of a chamber to facilitate trade among various discussants and trade stakeholders. During consultations, people talked about the enormous opportunities for trade between India, which has a huge market and enormous capital, and Trinidad, which has a friendly investment environment.

Earlier this month, the Secretary General of CARICOM, Edwin Carrington, urged member countries to develop closer economic relations with India and China. Prime Minister Patrick Manning also made a similar statement about greater trading opportunities with India. And during the Trade and Investment Conference in Trinidad in late June, attended by leaders of Asian businesses, the Chamber announced its intention to come on stream. The registration of this organization is a step in that direction to encourage closer economic relations between India and the Caribbean region. The ITTCC seeks to promote trade between India and T&T and by extension the Caribbean. The organization’s primary goal is to seek to transfer brain technology to T&T and CARICOM countries—technology in health care, data processing, agriculture and light manufacturing industries.

The organization notes that the economic and commercial development of India and T&T has created unprecedented opportunities for business in T&T. Economic relations (trade, in particular) between T&T and India have been increasing of late and as a result a need has arisen for the establishment of a trade association promoting trade between the two countries. The ITTCC has been registered in Trinidad to promote trade and commerce between the two countries and to foster necessary collaboration to enter regional markets like CARICOM, ASEAN, etc. This newly established business chamber seeks, among other goals, to foster business ventures, technology transfer, and direct foreign investment in T&T for wealth and job creation. In short, it will be a vehicle and a forum for the promotion of trade and commerce between the two countries.

The formal inauguration and installation of officers will take place in mid September with a reception. The organization’s registered website domain name is: Indiattchamberofcommerce.org.
The ITTCC has retained the law firm of Hobsons as its legal representative.
For further information, please contact 
Deo Gosine at 868-319-1780 or 718-392-7575.

August 2009