T&T-Guatemala begin talks on Partial Scope agreement

Officials get together or TT-Guatemala talks

Trinidad and Tobago and Guatemala on Wednesday began negotiations on a partial-scope trade agreement.

The leader of the local delegation is rade ambassador Mervyn Assam; Sonia Lainfiesta is heading the Guatemalan team.

Both sides have said they are confident that the negotiations would be completed in the interest of the people of the two nations.

The negotiations are taking place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Port of Spain. The agenda includes market access, rules of origin, trade facilitation and customs procedures, services and investment and legal and institutional issues.

Trade and Industry Minister Stephen Cadiz spoke at the start of the discussion. He said there are very good reasons to be negotiating with Guatemala.

He said it's because the country:

• Has the largest economy in Central America, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$ 41.5 billion
• Is an attractive market for T&T products
• Provides additional market space for T&T exports
• Reduces the concentration on T&T’s traditional markets in Caricom, Europe and North America
• Has investment potential