PM Kamla says foreign travel necessary, links with India vital

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told reporters at Piarco Monday she is comfortable with leaving her Government in the "capable hands" of Finance Minister Winston Dookeran.

She was speaking just before leaving for a state visit to India.

She noted that foreign travel is necessary to advance the government's agenda. "We cannot advance our nation unless we are out on the ground ourselves." she said.

"I said before I am the CEO. I have to be out on the ground, I have to go out there, I have to find investments and bring them back."

She said India has expressed interest in Trinidad and Tobago and outlined areas for future partnerships, including Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Energy and Downstream Petrochemical Industry, Agricultural Research, Maritime Industry, Tourism, fashion, film and animation.

"This opportunity to engage with India is particularly timely as it has been 15 years since the last State Visit was made to the Republic of India. Recently, the Centre for Economics and Business Research, in the latest World Economic League Table, showed Asian countries moving up, and European countries falling back," the Prime Minister said. 

"The CEBR has predicted that India, which in 2011 was the world 10th biggest economy, is targeted to become the fifth largest economy by 2020. With our very strong, historic and cultural ties with India, it is important that we capitalise on the expected growth in the economy," she added.

She stated that the government is India is paying her expenses. "For my own costs and that of my spouse, those costs are being borne by the Government of India since this is a State Visit." 

She added the office of the Prime Minister is meeting the cost of accommodation and our transport for members of her immediate delegation. The Indian government will meet other related costs in India.