By Sitaram Mewati
Mumbai, April 23, 2026: Strengthening economic cooperation between India and the Caribbean, World Trade Center Mumbai, in collaboration with the All India Association of Industries, hosted an interactive meeting with a high-level business delegation from Trinidad & Tobago. The discussions focused on scaling bilateral strengths to unlock wider opportunities across both regions.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman of WTC Mumbai, highlighted Trinidad & Tobago’s strategic importance as a gateway to the Caribbean. He emphasized that shared cultural and business comfort between the two nations should translate into stronger trade linkages. He also noted the country’s role as a key exporter of LNG and petrochemicals, which could support India’s energy diversification.
Bilateral trade between India and Trinidad & Tobago currently stands at around USD 340 million, with significant growth in manufacturing and industrial collaboration. India exports pharmaceuticals, machinery, engineering goods, and plastics, while importing mineral fuels, petrochemicals, and metals—reflecting a complementary trade structure.
Mr. Emil Ramkissoon, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association, described his country as a regional business hub despite its small size. He encouraged Indian companies to use Trinidad & Tobago as a base for accessing Caribbean markets. Supporting this, CEO Mahindra Ramdeen emphasized the nation’s competitiveness in niche sectors and its ability to “punch beyond its weight” globally.
The event also saw participation from industry leaders who highlighted opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, chemicals, food processing, logistics, and education. Indian businesses were encouraged to explore expansion into Caribbean markets, including Jamaica, through Trinidad & Tobago.
A key highlight of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between WTC Mumbai, AIAI, and the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association. The agreement aims to promote trade cooperation, facilitate business exchanges, and encourage joint ventures.
The event concluded with optimism about deeper engagement, driven by India’s economic growth and increasing global trade presence.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
