Griffith seeking Indian film industry investments in T&T, offering incentives for businesses

The Trinidad & Tobago delegation in India

A report in the Thursday's edition of the Indian newspaper Ahmedabad Mirror says the government of Trinidad and Tobago is hoping to establish a stragegic relationship with the Gujarati film industry.

The paper said the arrangement would allow Gujarati filmmakers special incentives to shoot movies in Trinidad and Tobago. 

A delegation led by Trinidad and Tobago’s Tourism Minister Rupert Griffith is in the Gujrat to meet Chief Minister Narendra Modi. 

The paper quoted Griffith as saying, “We intend to promote tourism as well as provide business opportunities for Gujarati businessmen.” Griffith stressed that businesses willing to establish hospitality and manufacturing business in Trinidad and Tobago will get special tax benefits.

The minister told the paper the Trinidad and Tobago delegation is looking into encouraging Indian investment in medical, eco and spa tourism.

Griffith told the paper about the cultural similarities between Trinidad and Tobago and Gujarat, adding that his government wants "to forge a close relationship with this state, creating tourism and business opportunities." 

He said the government of Trinidad and Tobago is willing to offer Gujarati businessmen seven-year tax holiday, 30 and 99 year land lease and many more benefits depending on the nature of business.
 
He added that those interested in establish hotel and infrastructure projects in the Carribean country will be given benefits like duty-free import, assistance from the government in the development of the project. 

The paper also said the T&T delegation is planning to encourage the start a direct flight between Gujarat and Trinidad and Tobago.