The second trade and investment mission from Asia to Trinidad and Tobago has been a success, says Pundit Manideo Persad, T&T's High Commissioner to New Delhi, India. Persad was speaking with the Sunday Guardian after a farewell dinner for the delegation in the Shri Raam Dhaam function hall at SWAHA Hindu Temple, St Lucien Road, Diego Martin, last weekend.
Persad said 48 delegates from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka took part in the event, which began in Port-of-Spain on June 22. Persad said he had received word that the $24 million Bollywood movie, Dulha Mil Gaya, which was filmed in T&T, was carded for international release on September 18. He said Shah Rukh Khan and Sushmita Sen acted in the movie.
On the trade side, Persad said the Federation of Indian Exporters had confirmed interest in establishing an Indian-T&T trade centre locally. Persad said this would be a one-stop shop for Indian goods and services. He also said the Asians were considering seriously suggestions put forward by Chaguanas Mayor Suruj Rambachan, that a mall should be set up in Central, where Indian companies could promote their goods.
On the education front, Persad said Cariri was set to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Shri Raam Research Institute, in India, for the exchange of technology and expertise. Persad said the University of T&T also was looking at developing energy-related products for the Indian market.
According to Persad, he had also held discussions with Dr Clement Sankat, pro vice chancellor of UWI, for the training of Indian students at UWI. The High Commissioner said he had proposed to Tobagonians to have a specific mission to Asia to promote tourism and investment opportunities at Cove Industrial Estate. Carl Francis, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, said it was likely a trade mission from T&T would head to Asia soon.