The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) has affirmed its commitment to working with the incoming government in promoting and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
TTMA President Dale Parson has already made recommendations to the new government.
“This exhibition here with SMEs is something that I already spoke to the incoming Prime Minister about, and she has already told me, Dale, this is one of the things that she fully, fully endorses, and the fact of the matter is that people don’t know but they will think they’ll see a big shopping mall or big supermarket and think that is what’s really what’s driving the economy, but that is not. It’s small businesses.”
He added that the conversation revealed that the Prime Minister is on board with the TTMA’s vision.
“In fact, more than 70% of the economy is driven by small businesses, and I think that she has understood that. Even from my vision as the new president of TTMA, she is in alignment with what I am saying, and she agrees to help support the small businesses.”
As for the incoming Minister with responsibility for Trade and Industry, Mr. Parson said the TTMA is ready to work and continue promoting self-sufficiency in the country.
“We will work with him to help to push development of SMEs and small businesses so that they can grow and Trinidad and can become more self-sufficient not relying so much on imports and become the manufacturing hub of the Caribbean and that’s my vision for TTMA.”
The TTMA held a Mother’s Day Pop-Up Shop at the Centre of Excellence on Saturday, where dozens of local vendors showcased their products.