Trade Minister Challenges Construction Industry To Expand Regional Reach
The local building sector is being encouraged to look beyond Trinidad and Tobago and capitalise on opportunities across the wider Caribbean market.
The call came from Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism Satykama Maharaj as he addressed the opening of the Beyond the Blueprint exhibition on Friday.
He challenged local industry leaders to look beyond the domestic market and position Trinidad and Tobago to capture a greater share of regional business.
« That commercial reality must shape our ambition for this sector. We should be aiming for a larger Trinidad and Tobago share of the Caribbean building expenditure. That’s an exportable product. That’s a service. We, in this Ministry are focused on the diversification of the economy beyond oil and gas. »
Minister Maharaj highlighted the opportunities regional markets could create for Trinidad and Tobago’s building and construction sector.
« Consider a regional hotel development. Before the first visitor arrives there is work for architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, furniture manufacturers, interior designers, artists and technology providers. And I would like to see local content in everything we do. »
He welcomed a proposed learning hub and masterclass programme from the Beyond the Blueprint organisers, which aim to strengthen industry expertise and address barriers to growth.
« I therefore welcome their proposed Blueprint Academy and expert perception report. The people delivering products can tell us where the skills are scarce, what repeatedly causes delays and what would local firms help qualify for larger contracts. Gathered consistently that knowledge can make Beyond the Blueprint a valuable place for industry to learn and Government to listen. »
Minister Maharaj also highlighted opportunities to leverage the country’s cultural assets to attract regional visitors and generate greater business activity.
« There is a distinct tourism opportunity, making Trinidad and Tobago a place that Caribbean developers, designers and buyers return to each year to do business. I would love to see the Sparrow Hideaway converted into a Calypso Hall of Fame. And I would love to see the Queens Park Savannah created into an all-year Carnival village. »
The Beyond the Blueprint exhibition, which showcases home design, architecture, property, construction, travel and lifestyle innovations, runs until Sunday November 1st.
