Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

Puerto Rico wants stronger trade ties with Trinidad and Tobago

Thursday, September 28, 2006

by: Stephen Cummings
Caribbean Net News Trinidad and Tobago Correspondent
Email: stephen@caribbeannetnews.com

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Puerto Rico is said to be one of the countries in the region that now suffers from a critical trade imbalance.

Puerto Rico is now seeking to increase trade in good and services with Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and other countries in the region.

David Latcherie International trade specialist and head of a Puerto Rican trade mission that visited Trinidad spoke with Caribbean Net News at the island's Crowne Plaza Hotel in Port of Spain.

Communications, transportation, and technology are some of the areas identified for a boost. On other matters Latcherie said Puerto Rico otherwise continues to enjoy a healthy relationship with Trinidad and Tobago.

Latcherie also quoted some past trade related statistics specific to Trinidad and Tobago .

"In the past few years Puerto Rico has really tried to increase trade among the Caribbean countries. In 2005 Puerto Rico imported from Trinidad around TT$199 million dollars and Puerto Rico only exported TT$37 million dollars in goods and services, so we are trying to increase exports obviously and trying to attract investment in Puerto Rico as well," said Latcherie.

"In terms of policy we have made some efforts, joint efforts with the local government of Trinidad and Tobago, now we want to strengthen our economic ties," added Latcherie.

Caribbean Net News also learnt that Barbados has also been targeted by Puerto Rico for boosting trade relations.

The Puerto Rican authorities are also hoping that the Caribbean Single Market and later the Caribbean Single Market and Economy will bring improved benefits to Puerto Rico.

The US Commercial service of the US Embassy and the American Chamber of Commerce in Port of Spain, Trinidad have been working along with the Puerto Rican trade mission.

Print Page