Hansard - Parliament

26
2012.05.08
of the Prime Minister who is able to build credibility at the highest level, and
discuss with investors issues which they normally would have to otherwise
spend a lot of time dealing with.
The Caribbean Investment Forum which was held for the first time in
Trinidad and Tobago last year, and will once again be held next week, was
inspired by the Prime Minister when she was Chair in office of the
Commonwealth. We know and we are assured that this year’s CIF will be
more successful than last year.
In fact, you will be happy to know that over 350 foreign delegates, I am
told, will be present for this year’s CIF. We are building and branding
Trinidad and Tobago as a place to do business. It is instructive also to note
the Organization of American States has coordinated a CEOs meeting for
this year in which 30 CEOs from Central and South America will be here,
including several ministers of trade and the President of Panama and his
delegation to participate in this year’s CIF.
2.15 p.m.
Mr. President, it is for these kinds of reasons that we went to India, in
order to promote investments in Trinidad and Tobago. [Desk thumping] It
is also a sure sign that this Government is doing something right, as we
continue the promotion of TrinidadandTobago abroad.
This Government has been aggressively pursuing new markets and
opportunities for our energy sector. It is now well known that the
percentage of our LNG exports to our traditional market, the US, has been
decreasing. In addition to this and the advent of shale gas, there is need for
TrinidadandTobago to diversify its energy portfolio. In this regard, the visit
to India included meetings with high level businessmen and senior