Trinidad and Tobago is the premier candidate to host the FTAA Secretariat.

A world of natural advantages make Trinidad and Tobago an exceptional investment opportunity and the premier candidate to win the headquarters of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).

Strategically positioned at the crossroads of the Caribbean and North and South America, Trinidad and Tobago links the English speaking. North with the Spanish speaking South--providing an ideal position for the communications hub of the Americas.

The twin island republic is already a leader in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The headquarters of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) and the United Nations/Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean are also located in the twin island republic.

Now, Trinidad and Tobago offers a compelling bid to make its capital, Port of Spain, the home of the FTAA. The effort, which is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, will solidify the islands' position as a major manufacturing, transshipment, and commercial platform in the hemisphere.

"Our location at the tip of South America makes Trinidad and Tobago the true gateway to the Americas and a natural entry point to the economies of Latin America," said the Minster of Trade and Industry for Trinidad and Tobago, the Honorable Kenneth Valley.

The strategy to secure the FTAA Secretariat works well with the Trinidad and Tobago government's Vision 2020 initiative, a progressive plan to make the islands a fully developed nation by the year 2020.

"Our country's vision includes the integration of the economy of Trinidad and Tobago fully into that of Latin America," said Minister Valley. "Our participation in the FTAA is key to that vision as it provides the market access required to achieve that goal."

Success is expected for both Vision 2020 and the FTAA bid as Trinidad and Tobago's socially and culturally diverse society is complemented by a stable democracy and dynamic business climate characterized by strong financial and manufacturing sectors.

Among the countries bidding for the FTAA Secretariat, Trinidad and Tobago boasts the lowest rate for electricity and its relatively low cost of transportation, food and leisure combine to make executive living standards highly competitive when compared with other major metropolitan centers in the Western Hemisphere.

GROWING ECONOMIC SECTORS

With an economy fueled by energy and petrochemicals and a gross domestic product of US$9,000 per capita, Trinidad and Tobago maintains one of the highest overall standards of living in the region, This is manifest in the republic's low Consumer Price Index which is less than 4.0% and stable exchange rate of US$1 to TT$6.30.

The islands' population of 1.3 million has an adult literacy rate of 91%, providing a well-developed human resource base. The population has benefited from years of strong investment from the United States: Trinidad and Tobago has the second highest level of US foreign capital investment in the Western Hemisphere, after Canada. The US is also dependent on the islands for approximately 77% of its natural gas supply.

Trinidad and Tobago's hydrocarbon and natural gas reserves have enabled it to become the most industrialized country in the Caribbean. Several top international companies--such as PCS Nitrogen, Ferrostaal and Methanex--have established successful petrochemical plants on the islands with further investment opportunities available in the sector.

The manufacturing, and agricultural sectors in Trinidad and Tobago see a significant amount of foreign investment as well. Manufacturing's, most active sectors currently include food and beverage processing, metals processing, chemicals and plastics and printing and packaging. In agriculture, investment opportunities include value-added services like seafood processing, meatpacking and juice processing.

Tourism in Trinidad and Tobago also has proved popular with investors, as the islands enjoy an environment abundantly rich in flora and fauna. Trinidad is home to a wide variety of animal and plant life, while Tobago features miles of white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters that attract divers and boaters.

Investment opportunities are compelling as well within the islands' marine industries. which serve large numbers of yachters who enjoy Trinidad and Tobago's calm offshore waters, lower than average insurance rates and low fees for maritime services.

All economic sectors are strongly supported by Trinidad and Tobago's transportation infrastructure, which has provided a crucial element in the early success of its economy.

IDEAL AIR AND SEA PORTS

The island republic's two major airports, Piarco International in Trinidad and Crown Point in Tobago are both well equipped to handle wide-bodied aircraft. Pierce is a modern world-class facility that accommodates comfortable and convenient connections to and from all the major metropolitan cities. It has well-established air routes, and is serviced by major international air carriers, that fly to many of the major cities in the Western Hemisphere. These include Paramaribo, Suriname; Caracas, Venezuela end the Dominican Republic; Miami, New York and Washington in the US; Toronto, Canada; San Jose, Costa Rica and Georgetown Guyana; with connecting flights to other destinations.

Trinidad and Tobago has its own national air carrier, BWIA West Indies Airways Limited, which offers daily scheduled service to and from Port of Spain and North, South and Central America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and other Caribbean islands.

Trinidad and Tobago also has a number of internationally recognized seaports of entry. The major ports in Trinidad include Port of Spain, Point Lisas (which won the Caribbean Port Award in 2003 for the third consecutive year), Chaguaramas and Point Galeota.

Port of Spain has a sheltered harbour, capable of handling bulk container shipping and cruise ships. Point Lisas is a fully developed industrial port, which specializes in handling petrochemicals, iron and steel and containerised and general cargo. Chaguaramas, located on the active western peninsula, has a terminal and a dry dock facility, which handles repairs.

There is also a great deal of large vessel traffic in the western peninsula area of the country, which houses a major bauxite plant as well. Point Galeota, located on the southern tip of Trinidad, is the main port from which of Trinidad and Tobago LLC undertake major oil operations.

The primary port in Tobago is Scarborough, a sheltered deep-water harbour and the main link for transportation of products from Trinidad. It is also a port of call for major cruise lines. Other main towns with deep-water harbors are Roxborough and Charlotteville.

In addition to Trinidad and Tobago's significant transportation hubs, the republic offers e modern telecommunications infrastructure. This has helped the creation of thriving call center operations that includes such groups as Microsoft.

A WINNING COMBINATION

All of the advantages that attract top quality multinational companies and investors to Trinidad and Tobago comprise the republic's winning combination for a truly dynamic new home for the FTAA. The islands' strategic location, talented workforce, growing economy and comprehensive infrastructure together create the formula for success in a competitive global marketplace.

For further information about opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago, contact the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry

Riverside Plaza, Benson Street Port of Spain

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Also visit: www.tidco.co.tt and www.visittnt.com