The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) has welcomed and fully supported the Government’s official opening of the Brechin Castle Agro-Processing Facility in Couva, describing it as a significant strategic investment in local manufacturing, agro-processing, food security and economic diversification.
In a statement issued on Monday, the TTMA said the Brechin Castle facility represents far more than a processing plant, calling it a catalyst for entrepreneurship, value-added production, rural development and sustainable economic opportunity, particularly for SMEs, fence-line communities and farmers in surrounding agricultural districts.
The Association said the facility would create opportunities for farmers and small agro-processors to convert raw produce into export-ready products, helping to reduce post-harvest losses while increasing the commercial value of locally grown commodities.
According to the TTMA, this model of value-added manufacturing is critical to strengthening Trinidad and Tobago’s non-energy economy and expanding foreign exchange earnings through regional and international exports.
TTMA President Emil Ramkissoon stated, “Facilities such as Brechin Castle are essential to building a stronger manufacturing ecosystem in Trinidad and Tobago. Agro-processing remains one of the most promising areas for economic diversification, particularly as we seek to increase local production, support SMEs and create new export opportunities within CARICOM and beyond. This initiative has the potential to generate employment, stimulate entrepreneurship and strengthen economic activity throughout surrounding communities.”
The Association also noted that the facility aligns with longstanding calls for greater investment in downstream manufacturing and processing industries capable of supporting national food security goals while reducing import dependency.
The TTMA further commended the Government for pursuing strategic partnerships aimed at expanding Trinidad and Tobago’s manufacturing footprint and opening new avenues for innovation and export services.
In this regard, the Association said its recently concluded trade mission to India highlighted significant opportunities for local manufacturers through international collaboration, technology transfer and private-sector partnerships. The mission included engagements with Indian manufacturers, investors and business leaders across several sectors.
The TTMA also praised the recent opening of the National Prosthetics Centre in Penal, describing it as another example of how Trinidad and Tobago can develop specialised industries capable of serving regional CARICOM markets while generating valuable foreign exchange earnings through exports of goods and services.
The Association said investments of this nature are critical to repositioning Trinidad and Tobago as a regional manufacturing and innovation hub.