In an ever-evolving global economy, nations are constantly seeking ways to boost their trade competitiveness and secure a prominent position in the international market
For Trinidad and Tobago, this pursuit took center stage with the concluded “Accreditation: A Tool for Growing Our National Trade Competitiveness Workshop.”
This three-day event, hosted and supported by The Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS), the Trinidad and Tobago Laboratory Accreditation Service (TTLABS), Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services (TTCSI) and Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility, shed light on the crucial role of accreditation and accredited conformity assessment services in enhancing the nation’s trade competitiveness.
Opening Remarks were presented by: Minister of Trade and Industry, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon; Mr José E. Trejo, Executive Director, Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS), Mr Lawford Dupres; Chairman, TTBS; Her Excellency Harriet Cross, High Commissioner for the United Kingdom and Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Ms Carina Cockburn, Country Representative for Trinidad and Tobago for the Inter-American Development Bank.
Unraveling the Significance of Accreditation:
Accreditation is the cornerstone of trust and reliability in the world of trade. It involves a rigorous process of evaluating and certifying the competence and credibility of conformity assessment bodies, such as laboratories, certification bodies, and inspection agencies. By adhering to international standards, accredited entities establish confidence in the quality and safety of their products and services, making them more desirable in both domestic and international markets.
With the spotlight on Trinidad and Tobago’s trade competitiveness, this workshop served to underscore the pivotal role that accreditation plays in driving economic growth and development. By fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement, accreditation not only empowers local businesses but also reinforces the nation’s reputation as a reliable trade partner.
Empowering Trade through Knowledge Sharing:
The Trinidad and Tobago Accreditation Workshop served as a platform for participants from diverse sectors to engage in meaningful discussions. By bringing together stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, industry experts, and academia, the event collectively identified areas for improvement in the local trade framework.
Through interactive sessions, participants explored real-world success stories and challenges encountered by various stakeholders in fulfilling accreditation requirements. This knowledge-sharing approach provided a deeper understanding of the benefits of accreditation and how it contributes to a sustainable and diversified economy.
Supporting Exporters and Enhancing Global Reach:
For Trinidad and Tobago to thrive in the international marketplace, it is vital to support and empower exporters. Accreditation plays a pivotal role in this process by opening doors to new markets and facilitating international trade agreements. When products and services are backed by credible accreditation, barriers to entry are lowered, and exporters gain a competitive advantage.
Additionally, as the workshop uncovered areas for improvement in conformity assessment services, it will help align local practices with global standards, further enhancing Trinidad and Tobago’s reputation as a reliable trade partner.
The aim of the workshop: to identify areas for improvement in the local trade framework, support exporters, and contribute to the development of a sustainable and diversified economy.
The “Accreditation: A Tool for Growing Our National Trade Competitiveness Workshop” was a remarkable initiative to highlight the pivotal role that accreditation plays in bolstering Trinidad’s trade competitiveness.
Through knowledge-sharing and collaboration, stakeholders have gained more information to foster a culture of quality, ultimately serving to drive economic growth and support exporters in accessing global markets. By striving to attain and maintain international standards in conformity assessment, Trinidad and Tobago sets itself on a path to becoming a more competitive and trusted player in the world of trade.
