Energy on the agenda for visit of U.S. VP: Report

U.S. VP Joe Biden

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden arrives in Trinidad Monday afternoon for a brief visit as part of a trip that would take him to Brazil and Colombia. All three countries are neighbours of oil-rich Venezuela.

An article in the BROOKINGS online site makes this reference to Trinidad and Tobago:

"Energy is an important theme for Biden in all of the host nations. Trinidad and Tobago is the leading Caribbean producer of oil and gas and its economy is heavily dependent upon these resources. 

Forty percent of GDP and 80 percent of exports come from oil and gas, but that industry only provides employment for 5 percent of its citizens, according to the World Bank. Consequently, there is more focus on the production of liquid natural gas (LNG) and renewable energy sources. 

"Trinidad and Tobago claims to be the most advanced and dynamic economy in the English-speaking Caribbean, demonstrated by its high mobile phone penetration of over 120 per cent. 

"The potential use of mobile phones for banking, health and education services, as well as its energy potential should encourage Biden to consolidate a strong relationship with this leading CARICOM nation."

Read the full article: 

Vice President Biden’s Visit to Brazil, Colombia and Trinidad and Tobago