Trinidad and Tobago is seeking to expand its commercial reach by broadening its trading relationships and opening new markets for local businesses.
That was the message from Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Satyakama Maharaj, as he addressed the opening of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association’s 2026 Trade and Investment Convention on Wednesday evening.
He said the Government is pursuing several initiatives aimed at creating greater market access for local manufacturers and exporters and outlined efforts to strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s commercial ties beyond traditional markets.
“We are strengthening commercial relationships throughout CARICOM, Latin America, Mercosur, Ghana and the wider West African market. For manufacturers, these are not simply new destinations on a map. They are new customers, new distributors, new investment partners and new opportunities for growth.”
Minister Maharaj said Ghana is a key part of the country’s trade strategy, serving as a gateway to a much larger African market.
“Ghana, in particular, is more than another export destination. It is our commercial gateway to ECOWAS, West Africa, a market of more than 420 million consumers and a bridge to one of the world’s fastest growing economic regions.”
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a 15-member regional bloc focused on promoting economic integration, trade and cooperation across West Africa.
Minister Maharaj said the Government’s long-term objective is to position Trinidad and Tobago as a strategic link between multiple regions.
“Our vision is clear: to position Trinidad and Tobago as the natural commercial gateway between the Caribbean, Africa and the emerging markets of the East. Creating new opportunities for trade, investment and tourism.”
The TTMA Trade and Investment Convention 2026 runs from July 9th to 11th at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya, bringing together business leaders, investors and trade representatives from local and international markets.