Trinidad PM on historic State Visit to India

Kamla Persad-Bissessar is on a two-week bilateral visit to India.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Wednesday January 4, 2012 - Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is on a two-week bilateral visit to India, the first trip of its kind in 15 years by a Trinidad and Tobago Head of Government.

The State Visit was at the invitation of Dr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India.

Themed “Trinidad and Tobago–India 2012: Partnering for Diversification, Innovation and Investment”, the bilateral visit is set to engage private and public sector companies and agencies in discussions to attract investment and technical co-operation to the Caribbean country.

The state visit to India aims to capitalise on Trinidad and Tobago’s favourable investment climate and ideal geographic position as a gateway to Caribbean, Latin American and European markets, a government release said.

Speaking ahead of her trip, the prime minister stated: “The bonds of friendship, our intertwined history due to the excellent diplomatic and cultural relations already enjoyed between the countries, have created a solid foundation.”

“On this, we may develop stronger, more resilient and concrete trade and investment ties for the mutual benefit of both the countries’ citizens.”

This country is aiming to establish and finalise Memoranda of Understanding in areas such as energy, agriculture, education, medicine, information communication technologies, fashion, film production and animation, the government statement said.

The prime minister is accompanied by the Ministers of Energy and Energy Affairs; Foreign Affairs and Communications; Trade and Industry; Food Production, Lands and Marine Affairs; Science, Technology and Tertiary Education; Public Utilities along with representatives of key agencies under the portfolio of these Ministries, as well as prominent members of the business community.

Persad-Bissessar has also been bestowed the honour of Chief Guest at the 10th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), becoming the first female Head of Government in the Diaspora and the first dignitary of Trinidad and Tobago to be conferred this privilege.  Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)