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April 18-26, 1996
Introduction
The following report is a compilation of: 1) information
collected through discussions with Trinidadian food
industry and manufacturing association representatives
and Canadian business persons; 2) articles related
to doing business in Trinidad and the Caribbean; and
3) observations of retail products and prices in Trinidad.
Information was collected between April 19-25 in Port
of Spain, Trinidad during the International Expo 96.
A Brief Overview of Trinidad and Tabago
The islands of Trinidad and Tobago are the most
southerly of the Caribbean Islands. Trinidad is an
oil producing country with reserves of natural gas,
which is now being utilized on a world scale. The
economy of Trinidad and Tobago continues to improve
as it registered a 2.4% growth in the first half of
1995. Trinidad and Tobago, with a population of 1.3
million, boasts the most cosmopolitan society of the
Caribbean, with a cultural mosaic comprised of peoples
with East Indian, African, European, Chinese and Middle
Eastern origins.
The Caribbean basin consists of 23 countries and
territories with a population of 31.5 million offering
many different and growing markets. Many of the potential
markets are small which naturally aligns them with
the size of many Nova Scotia agri-food producers.
Trinidad is also a very attractive location to conduct
business because it is a link to the rest of the CARICOM
(made up of the countries of Antigua and Barbuda,
Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica,
Montserrat, St. Christopher and Nevis, St. Lucia,
St. Vincent and Grenades). Trinidad will also be a
member of the soon-to-be-established Association of
Caribbean States (ACS). This membership would provide
a trade link to many South American countries, a potential
market of over 200 million people and a GDP of $500
billion.
Canada has a long and friendly relationship with
Trinidad and Tobago, one conducive to strong trade
development potential.
Trinidad imports large quantities of produce, meat
and poultry products.
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