Representatives of Trinidad and Tobago’s private sector reaffirmed their full support of the development of e TecK’s Phoenix Park Industrial Estate project at a site visit hosted by e TecK on Wednesday 9th March, 2022. Mr. Ian De Souza, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce and Dr. Ramesh Ramdeen, Chief Executive Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturing Association and a few of their members, the Mnistry of Trade and Industry, InvesTT and members of the media formed the high level delegation.
Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry delivering welcome remarks
Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, line Minister of Evolving TecKnologies and Enterprise Development Company Limited (e TecK) responsible for the design and construction of the Estate , provided some insight into what she described as ‘a first-class economic space to facilitate industries.During his comments, Mr. De Souza said that the Estate supports local manufacturing and acknowledged it as ‘an essential element’ of the country’s long term plan to increase economic growth and development. He highlighted the promotion of the first year rent free incentive as highly attractive to business owners and commended the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s efforts to modernize the free zone regime through the upcoming proclamation of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) incentives. Dr. Ramdeen passionately endorsed the potential of the Estate to improve the enabling business environment saying “This is a good step in the right direction to create a clear path for economic growth. The park is being modernized to an extent that is comparable to other parks that I’ve visited, for example in Panama. Empower us to share the info to ensure a successful park!”
Both private sector industry association leaders expressed their readiness and enthusiasm to promote the Estate among their memberships and business visitors.
Presentations were made by Mr. Daniel Duncan, Vice President, Projects and Facilities at e TecK and Quincy Flores, Manager Investments at InvesTT. During his statements, Mr. Duncan highlighted the fact that close to 90% of the project’s staff is from the local work force, ranging from engineers and technicians to skilled and semi-skilled labour. Mr. Flores presented the lease rates and tenant benefits and affirmed the commitment of InvesTT to work with each potential tenant to make the application process as smooth as possible.
