Kamla, Jagdeo talk about trade and investment

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana met Wednesday in Port of Spain for discussions on development issues but there was no talk of relocating a smelter from La Brea, Trinidad, to Guyana.

Both leaders agreed on a partnership to share expertise in food production and also to develop ties in trade and investment.

Persad-Bissessar spoke of Guyana's success in food production and said it is an area in which Trinidad and Tobago can benefit.

"It is one of the sectors in the economy we would like to see grow in Trinidad and Tobago and we will be able to partner with Guyana in terms of experienced expertise in that regard," she said.

Jagdeo told reporters his visit was a courtesy call to congratulate Persad-Bissessar on her victory in the May 24 general election. He said he used the opportunity to discuss other matters about "bringing our countries closer together through several practical bilateral initiatives that will be to the benefit of our people".

The President said, "We’ve pledged that we want to work at the regional enterprise to ensure that it becomes stronger, so that we can build on the synergies offered by a number of countries coming together voluntarily to advance the cause of prosperity for the people."

Commenting on the smelter issue, Persad-Bissessar said that's something that she will tackle when she receives all reports on the matter. There was some media speculation that she and Jagdeo would discuss the possibility of moving the Trinidad smelter to Guyana.

But on Tuesday she dismissed those reports as false.

"The matter really remains a national issue here for us. As you realise it was a matter that was dealt with on the campaign trail...I’m awaiting a report from the Minister with responsibility for those matters, the Minister of Energy, and that is yet to come to the Cabinet.

"So on the smelter issue there’s very little more I can say at this time, except once again repeat that it was not on the agenda for discussion between his Excellency and myself," she said.

She said what was agreed is that in September Jagdeo will lead a team to Trinidad and Tobago to meet with businesses, investors and potential investors.

Noting that Guyana has become a gateway to South America with the opening of a new bridge to Brazil, the prime minister said, "There are markets there that could be accessible to investors in Trinidad and Tobago who are so inclined to take up office that Guyana may offer."

She added, "Guyana is extremely poised and very buoyant at this time in their economy, their natural resources are tremendous. Whilst we continue to put our eggs into the energy basket, oil and gas, Guyana has really gone the way of many other areas."