Senior Minister attends Caribbean Investment Forum and Trade Investment Expo in Trinidad

ZIZ News…June 17, 2011 – Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, joined regional counterparts from public and private sectors of CARIFORUM in what has been dubbed Caribbean Investment Week in Trinidad and Tobago.

The week opened on Monday, June 13, 2011, with a Caribbean Forum on Investment under the aegis of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago and the Commonwealth Business Council with full support of government and private sector.

On Wednesday the focus shifted to a Trade and Investment Expo at the Hyatt Hotel featuring over four hundred regional and international exhibitors, distributors and wholesalers from all over the region. Penfield Energy Solutions managed by Alphonso O’Garro is taking part in the Expo.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar hailed the Conference as a unique opportunity to optimize trade and investment opportunities.

Dr Harris in an hour long interview on the Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG Radio/TV media) along with host, Trinidad’s Industry Minister, Hon Stephen Cadiz, explained some benefits of the Forum. Dr Harris said that the Forum will stimulate the exchange of ideas and approaches to common issues and foster long lasting bonds, which transcend boundaries and lay foundation for developing solutions.

“In today’s challenging global environment, businesses need to aggressively identify and pursue markets” Dr Harris said.

The Forum attracted Sir Richard Branson, U.K. billionaire and entrepreneur, at a gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Sir Branson shared his experiences with the audience and fielded questions.

Branson is the founder of Virgin Group with companies such as Virgin Atlantic, Virgin America, Virgin Mobile and Virgin Active.