Ambassador of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to China: 'After coming to Beijing, I've learned how to shop online very soon'

“Cooperation with China’s e-commerce platforms is under planning”

Despite the geographic distance between the two countries, China and Trinidad and Tobago enjoy increasingly closer cooperation and exchanges. According to Low, over the years, many products from Trinidad and Tobago have had their presence in China: asphalt produced in Trinidad and Tobago has helped build many streets, bridges and airport runways of many countries around the world, including Beijing’s ring-road streets, runways of Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport, as well as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge; quality Rum and other products from Trinidad and Tobago also appear on China’s e-commerce platforms, helping increase Chinese consumers’ options.

As Trinidad and Tobago boasts abundant energy resources and is one of the world’s largest exporters of ammonia, methanol and liquefied natural gas (LNG), there is great potential for the two countries to conduct cooperation in the energy sector, she noted. A crucial manufacturing and industrial base in the Caribbean region, Trinidad and Tobago also produces world-class Rum, chocolate, spice and chilli sauce. In last year’s CIIE, many products from Trinidad and Tobago have attracted Chinese consumers’ attention. “We are expecting to attend the fifth CIIE this year to exhibit our special goods,” Low said. “Cooperation with Chinese e-commerce platforms is under planning to offer quality products to Chinese consumers. Manufacturers in Trinidad and Tobago are focusing on improving their export capability and are ready to leverage the potential of China’s enormous market and its diversified demands.”

A highlight of the bilateral cooperation between China and Trinidad and Tobago over the years, the Phoenix Park Industrial Estate in the central and western part of the Trinidad Island has been under construction since March 2020. Trinidad and Tobago, among other Caribbean countries, took the lead in joining the Belt and Road Initiative. The Phoenix Park Industrial Estate is of great significance of demonstration as it is the first project to be put under implementation in the Caribbean region. “The Phoenix Park Industrial Estate, with full coverage of 5G mobile network, acts as a major driver of boosting the diverse development of the country’s economy. The project has promoted the development of non-energy sectors such as high-value manufacturing, light industry, emerging industries including logistics and warehousing, as well as information and communications technology,” said Low. “The Phoenix Park Industrial Estate has helped to promote the diversified development of our national economy, and it means a lot to Trinidad and Tobago.”