TTCSI Launches Printing and Packaging Association of Trinidad & Tobago
Wednesday October 27th 2010
The Printing and Packaging Association of Trinidad and Tobago (PPATT) was officially launched on October 27, 2010 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Port of Spain. This was the fourth association to be launched by the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) this year. Minister of Trade and Industry, the Honourable Stephen Cadiz and Senator the Honourable Kevin Ramnarine, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs were in attendance.
Prior to this, TTCSI, in its role as facilitator of development of the service industry, launched The Private Hospitals Association, the Green Building Council of Trinidad and Tobago and the Trinidad and Tobago Chapter of Certified Management Consultants.
“Are you prepared to work together to ensure development of your sector?” was the question posed by TTCSI CEO, Nirad Tewarie, to members of the printing and packaging industry. He stressed the need for the sector to be organized in order to lobby and form strategic business alliances. He also offered TTCSI’s continued support to the Association. Printing and Packaging is one of the seven pillars highlighted by the government for sustainable development through economic diversification.
Richard Lewis, chairman of the Printing and Packaging Council noted that while the process for the formation of PPATT was lengthy, the timing is fortuitous as current economic times necessitates joint venturing and innovation. The three goals of the strategic plan developed for the sector being Alliance, Competitiveness and Product Development; to facilitate this human resource development ,an Institute of Printing and Packaging is currently being developed at the University of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Honourable Stephen Cadiz quoted, “the more a country relied on mineral wealth the lower its growth”. He reiterated the government’s commitment to economic diversification and their support of innovation within the sectors. He highlighted the main setbacks in the industry being the need to upgrade technology and training.
The Minister lamented that currently Trinidad and Tobago ranked 84 in the global competiveness report and he vowed his commitment to attaining the No. 25 spot. He noted that his Ministry was prepared to be a facilitator for the sector and congratulated the stakeholders present on the success of the launch. He also vowed a continued partnership with the private and public sectors.
For further information, please contact the TTCSI Secretariat at 622-9229
