Regional News

JAMAICAN exporters to Trinidad & Tobago may find the going easier in the two-island republic, following the setting up of a Trade Facilitation Desk in that country. The Jamaica/Trinidad & Tobago Trade Facilitation Desk was officially launched last year but became operational recently, following the appointment of Naika Pichi-Ayers to administer the desk. Pichi-Ayers is a native of Guadeloupe with considerable experience in trade and cooperation matters.

With the Trade Facilitation Desk, established to assist Jamaican exporters of goods and services, local businesses will now be better placed to access marketplace intelligence and become informed about import regulations and other entry requirements in Trinidad. What's more is that businesses will receive on-the-ground assistance, including intermediation with the various arms of government involved in the import process, in their efforts to penetrate the Trinidadian market, said Pichi-Ayers during a recent visit to Jamaica to speak with the local private and public sector communities.

According to the trade desk officer, the level of interest displayed by Jamaican businesses has been pleasing and augurs well for the achievements of tangible results in the medium term. The Trade Facilitation Desk is located in the Port of Spain offices of the Trinidad & Tobago Manufacturers' Association (TTMA) and was set up following discussions between private sector interests in both countries in 2011.