PM Kamla concludes State Visit to India with business talks in Mumbai

File: Indian PM Dr Manmohan Singh welcomes PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her spouse, Greg Bissessar in New Delhi

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar concluded her State Visit to India Friday by attending a business seminar in Mumbai aimed at getting potential Indian investors and entrepreneurs to consider Trinidad and Tobago as a business friendly location. 

Persad-Bissessar reiterated her call for more Trinidad and Tobago-India economic and trade relations.

The seminar was hosted by Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Trade and Industry and The Confederation of Indian Industry. 

Member of the Trinidad & Tobago delegation accompanying the Prime Minister to the event were: 

• Minister of Trade and Industry Stephen Cadiz
• Minister of Foreign Affairs and Communications, Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan Minister of Energy Kevin Ramnarine
• Minister of Public Utilities Emmanuel George
• Trinidad and Tobago’s High Commissioner to India, Chandradath Singh 

The Prime Minister encouraged linkages between the two countries and she praised "the exemplary success" of India on the global stage. 

Persad-Bissessar stated, “India has grown to become a trillion dollar economy with a largely self-sufficient agricultural sector buttressed by a diversified economy and a stable financial and services sector. 

"My Government recognizes that increasing urbanization and modern technology have brought about a remarkable change in lifestyles and consumption patterns of the citizens of India.”

She also commended the resilience of the Indian nationals as demonstrated in Mumbai’s recovery from recent terrorist attacks. 

“It is not easy to forget November 2008, when over a period of three days, this city was shattered by vicious terrorist attacks. The Mumbai attacks turned the eyes and hearts of the world to India,” Persad-Bissessar said.

She also stated that both she and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will highlight the need to adopt a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism to members the international community.

The State Visit and Trade Mission led by the Prime Minister was on the theme: “Trinidad and Tobago-India 2012: Partnering for Diversification, Innovation and Investment”. 

During the visit, the Prime Minister signed agreements for air services, traditional medicines, education, culture, agriculture and technical cooperation with the Republic of India. 

At the various business engagements and activities in India she seized the opportunity to effectively market ‘Brand Trinidad and Tobago’ and the country’s role as a gateway to the Americas and over 600 million people.

Persad-Bissessar is scheduled to leave India on Saturday and will be back home on Sunday afternoon. She will hold a media briefing on her return.