The delegations signed five MOU's at the end of the delegation level talks between both Prime Ministers. The agreements focus on developments in the areas of air transport, culture, education, traditional medicines, agriculture and technical corporation.
Singh highlighted the need for both countries to identify innovative ways of enhancing their economic ties. He noted that the Joint Commission Meeting held at the end of November, 2011 identified a number of areas for expanded trade and investment, most notably the energy sector.
The Indian leader explained that India needs an assured and reliable energy supply, and that Trinidad and Tobago is well placed to meet India’s energy needs and said an energy delegation from Trinidad and Tobago would therefore be welcome.
India's Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farook Abdullah, stated that his ministry stands ready to share its expertise and offer training in solar and wind energy. It is expected that a demonstration unit will soon be set up in Trinidad and Tobago.
Air links are to be established between Trinidad and Tobago and India following the signing of a bilateral air services agreement (BASA), which allows designated air carriers to operate flights connecting destinations in each country.
Singh also expressed his gratitude for the current visa waiver offered by the Trinidad and Tobago Government to Indian nationals. And he agreed that Trinidad and Tobago would act as a gateway for India to the wider Latin American market as a result of T&T's trade agreements with several Latin American countries.
Persad-Bissessar raised the issue of visa-waiver reciprocity. The Indian Minister of External Affairs, S.M. Krishna, said this would be considered at an upcoming joint commission meeting.
One of the MOU's focussed on education. Singh noted the strong cultural and education links between the two countries and said they provide the foundation for the relationship.
“The Technical Cooperation Agreement in the field of Education and the Cultural Exchange Programme signed today (Friday) will facilitate greater academic and cultural exchanges” stated Singh.
The delegations also agreed on technical cooperation through exchange of experts. The Indian government offered to enhance the annual ITEC scholarship seats for Trinidad and Tobago from current 30 to 50.
The Prime Minister said the Indian IT sector is eager to expand cooperation through the Indian Technical Cooperation Fund and that a joint commission on ICT could provide a framework for cooperation in this sector.
He said over the next six to eight weeks India will send a delegation of IT experts, companies and education experts to see how to advance bilateral cooperation and increase 3G capacity in Trinidad & Tobago.
The delegations also signed a MoU for co-operation in Traditional Medicines, which provides a legal frame work for the cooperation between the two countries for the promotion of Indian traditional medicine in Trinidad and Tobago.
The main objective of the MoU is to strengthen, promote and develop co-operation in the field of traditional systems of medicine between the two countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.
Persad-Bissessar welcomed all offers of technical support offered by Singh, particularly initiatives in the coconut industry to deal with the red palm mite disease and ITEC exchanges.
In a joint statement, both prime ministers said they also discussed global issues, including terrorism, climate change and the reform of the United Nations.
At the end of the bilateral meetings the Indian leader hosted a banquet in honour of the Prime Minister and her delegation, along with other specially invited guests.
(You can download a report by Gideon Hanoomansingh on the PM's visit to New Delhi by clicking here: http://www.mediafire.com/?07n4dp2thiik4jd)
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