“China’s investment in Latin America and the Caribbean region has been on the upward trajectory, and has contributed positively to the development of key infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago”

AMBASSADOR: Since the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the People’s Republic of China established formal diplomatic relations 50 years ago, bilateral relations have flourished. In recent years, both sides have deepened all-round cooperation in a number of areas, including infrastructural cooperation, health care, and people to people exchanges. 

There have been several high-level visits, with H.E. President Xi Jinping visiting Trinidad and Tobago in May 2013 - the first visit by a Chinese Head of State to the English-speaking Caribbean. Our Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley also visited China in May 2018, resulting in the signing of important cooperation agreements. One of particular significance paved the way for Trinidad and Tobago to become the first English speaking Caribbean country to join the BRI, ushering in a new era of pragmatic cooperation between both countries.

Trinidad and Tobago and China share a robust economic relationship, with bilateral trade exceeding 1.3 billion USD in 2022. China is a major importer of Trinidad and Tobago’s energy exports, mainly liquified natural gas, and petrochemicals. Trinidad and Tobago’s non-energy exports to China have also grown, from approximately RMB 3.53 million in 2021 to RMB 218 million in 2022 - and there is further room for growth. Through Trinidad and Tobago’s annual participation in the China International Import Expo (CIIE), arrangements have been finalised to bring Trinidad and Tobago manufactured goods to Chinese consumers, including our premium rums, our world-famous aromatic bitters, and our chocolates made from the prized Trinitario cocoa. In the near future, we hope to make more of our ‘Made in Trinidad and Tobago’ products readily available to Chinese consumers.

In support of Trinidad and Tobago’s economic diversification efforts, we continue to work actively with our Chinese partners on key projects including the development of new industrial parks, airports, roadways, and ports, amongst others.

AMBASSADOR: Trinidad and Tobago’s historical success in the energy industry fuelled rapid industrialisation, making the twin island republic one of the larger and more dynamic economies in the region. As a mature hydrocarbon economy with over 150 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry, Trinidad and Tobago remains one of the most attractive investment destinations for foreign direct investment owing to its stable political environment, economic resilience, highly skilled labour force, and modern infrastructure.

Trinidad and Tobago remains one of the most industrialised and cost-effective nations in the Caribbean and Central America. With electricity rates starting as low as US $0.05 kWh, businesses establishing in Trinidad and Tobago have access to some of the lowest energy costs in the Western Hemisphere, translating into lower business operation costs. 

Considered the industrial hub of the Caribbean region, and being home to some of the largest Caribbean manufacturers, Trinidad and Tobago remains a favourable investment destination for Chinese businesses seeking to expand their footprint in the Americas.

AMBASSADOR: China’s investment in Latin America and the Caribbean region has been on the upward trajectory, and has contributed positively to the development of key infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago. 

Through the close collaboration between the Governments of Trinidad and Tobago and China, the Phoenix Park Industrial Estate – the flagship BRI project in the Caribbean – has come to fruition. This 5G connected industrial park has catalysed the growth of Trinidad and Tobago’s non-energy sector, particularly in high value and light manufacturing, distribution, logistics, warehousing, ICT, and energy technology.  Officially opened in January 2024, the Park adds to the growing portfolio of economic spaces for increased commercial activity in Trinidad and Tobago, and positions our country as a major trade and investment hub in the region. 

Several Chinese manufacturing companies have established operations at the Park and already began exporting to North America. I welcome more Chinese enterprises to explore business opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago and to get in touch with us at our Embassy in Beijing so that we can facilitate your next business move. 

Another major infrastructure project underway is the construction of a new terminal of the international airport on the island of Tobago (the ANR Robinson International Airport). The new terminal is expected to increase air travel demand, create new job opportunities, and stimulate economic growth.

These projects demonstrate the commitment between our two countries to drive progress towards achieving our respective developmental goals.

AMBASSADOR: Trinidad and Tobago is considered a mature hydrocarbon economy and ranks among the world’s largest exporters of ammonia, methanol, and liquified natural gas. However, in an effort to develop a more sustainable growth model and increase economic resilience, Trinidad and Tobago continues to promote its non-energy sectors such high value manufacturing, logistics and distribution, maritime, business process outsourcing, agro-processing, tourism, and the creative industries.

As one of the larger and more dynamic economies in the Caribbean, with a robust local manufacturing sector, Trinidad and Tobago aims to increase accessibility to renewable energy sources, and has set a target of 30% of electricity to be derived from renewable sources by 2030. In that regard, our twin islands have favourable solar irradiation levels with great potential for offshore wind energy technology deployment.

AMBASSADOR: As part of the initiative to accelerate economic growth and development, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago remains steadfast in its commitment to building a dynamic and resilient economy that will engender even more confidence in doing business in our country. 

The value proposition for attracting investors into Trinidad and Tobago has been enhanced by the opportunity to offer Special Economic Zone (SEZ) incentives to new investors operating in Trinidad and Tobago's non-energy industries.

The SEZ Act 2022 creates a modern licensing and administrative regime for Operators (e.g. landlords of industrial/ business parks), SEZ Enterprises (e.g. businesses within designated zones) and Single Zone Enterprises (e.g. sole businesses). In this regard, investors operating within the SEZ, can take advantage of a host of incentives such as exemptions from property tax, import duties, and other tax exemptions.  

AMBASSADOR: Trinidad and Tobago, like China, shares the view that in today’s globalised world, achieving high quality national development is closely linked to a country’s ability to generate new ideas and convert knowledge into socio-economic benefits. In this regard, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has prioritised the national digital transformation, focusing on the digitisation of government services, business processes and financial services as central to social and economic development. Key components of this policy include the introduction of national digital identification cards, the growth of mobile payments and ecommerce, and the creation of the necessary cybersecurity and digital infrastructure and regulatory framework. Given China’s experience in these areas - a place that I have seen firsthand how digital revolution can create new economic opportunities and transform livelihoods - I believe that there is great potential for cooperation between both sides.

With regard to the development of modern industrial spaces, as mentioned earlier, Trinidad and Tobago can boast of being home to the largest 5G connected industrial park in the Latin American and Caribbean region, the Phoenix Park Industrial Estate. We are also home to the Tamana InTech Park - the largest science and technology Park in the English-speaking Caribbean. We welcome Chinese companies to consider opportunities at both Parks, and leverage Trinidad and Tobago’s strategic location and market access to the wider Americas.

AMBASSADOR: There are many aspects about Trinidad and Tobago – our culture, history, and natural beauty - that awaits visitors to our twin island paradise.

For example, many would know that not only is Trinidad and Tobago the industrial and financial hub of the Caribbean, but we also have the richest natural history of any of the islands. We are home to over 470 different bird species, 620 species of butterfly, 2,300 different flowering shrubs and plants, 108 different mammals, including 57 bats and 70 different reptiles.

The nature-loving adventurer would also certainly appreciate the opportunity to place a well-timed visit to Trinidad’s Grande Rivière beach – the world’s second largest nesting site for the leatherback turtle (the largest surviving turtle species on earth).

And it would be no exaggeration to call Trinidad and Tobago a true cultural melting pot. We trace our heritage back to distant places, including Africa, India, China, Europe, and the Middle East. On the streets of our islands, you can taste the world in our diverse cuisine.

Carnival, our de facto national festival, is a perfect example of our uniquely Trinbagonian form of cultural expression - premised on the unity and harmony enjoyed among the multiple ethnicities that thrive together on the little over 5,000 square kilometres that are our islands. 

All of us this makes Trinidad and Tobago a true multi-ethnic paradise, which we are proud to call home.

I welcome you all to Trinidad and Tobago to enjoy the warm Caribbean Sea and the even warmer hospitality of our people!