Derek Alan Noel-Parker, Chargé de Mission Économique at the French Embassy; Stephan Dubost, Head of the French Regional Economic Department; Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon; French Ambassador Didier Chabert, and Permanent Secretary MTI, Ayleen Alleyne– Ovid.
Minister of Trade and Industry (MTI) Paula Gopee-Scoon received a courtesy call from the head of the French Regional Economic Department who resides in Panama and has responsibility for that country, Costa Rica and the English-speaking Caribbean.
The meeting between Gopee-Scoon and Stephan Dubost took place on February 6. France’s Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Didier Chabert accompanied Dubost.
Meanwhile, the Minister expressed appreciation for Dubost’s first visit to Trinidad and Tobago following his appointment in September 202, noting that “the focus on commercial diplomacy between Trinidad and Tobago and France was welcomed”.
The three acknowledged the positive trade relations between both countries as demonstrated by Trinidad and Tobago’s favourable trade balance with France amounting to TT$1.96 billion in 2022.
Among the top exports to France are anhydrous ammonia, urea, methanol, LNG, rum, and food preparations. The top products imported from France include medicaments, brandy, and sparkling wine.
Gopee-Scoon and the French delegation discussed several important issues affecting trade between both countries, such as market access for the Trinidad and Tobago food and beverage sector in France, with specific mention of spices, pepper sauces, alcohol and chocolates; market access to the French Caribbean Outermost Regions (FCORs), as well as maritime shipping options for the transport of goods from Trinidad and Tobago to the FCORs; and expanding cultural exchanges and investments in the creative industries, including the creation of appropriate platforms to spread soca and steelpan music in France.
Both parties agreed to further dialogue and joint efforts to expand trade and investment relations.
