(period
February 2002- May 2003)
Trinidad
and Tobago's relationship with Africa has been forged through, inter alia, the
diasporic linkages of a large segment of it's population with the African
continent, activities under the aegis of the Commoh1wealth Secretariat and
Cooperation since 1975 in the context of the African, Caribbean and Pacific
Group (ACP) and its relationship with the European Union. NEPAD provides a
platform for this country's broadening and deepening of its continuing
engagement with Africa.
INVESTMENT
In
2002 arrangements commenced for Trinidad and Tobago's investment in the
financial services sector of one African country and plans are in train to
replicate these services in other countries of the Continent. This type of
investment would act as an agent for socio‑economic change, given that it
will create the facility for nationals of all segments of the societies to
which it is channeled to participate increasingly in the economic activity of
their country.
TRADE
Trinidad
and Tobago has been making efforts to foster trade links with Africa. Trade
Missions were received from two countries during the period under review and
they contributed to deepened cooperation in this area.
A
Bilateral Air Service Agreement is soon to be negotiated with an African
country and this would pave the way for the establishment of direct‑air
links and the opening of a gateway to West Africa. This agreement would be
replicated with other countries in the future.
CULTURE
Cultural
cooperation is seen as a key vehicle for ‘people to people' programmes which would in turn lead to collaboration in a wide 'range of other areas. Given
the fact that Trinidad and Tobago invented the steelband and has unparallel
proficiency with this instrument, the country has been sharing its expertise in
this area with African partners. Cultural Cooperation Agreements with countries are also being examined with a view to building further
bridges between Trinidad and Tobago and African nations.
The
Trinidad and Tobago carnival is considered by many to be a truly unique event
with its color, music and artistic excellence. Programmes are in preparation to
introduce the carnival festival concept to countries of Africa. It is envisaged
that apprenticeships would be created to allow for the short-term attachment of
African artisans in the relevant countries to Trinidad and Tobago artists and artistes.
OTHER AREAS OF COOPERATION
§
Agreements on
Scientific and Technological cooperation and on visa abolition are also being
considered.
§
Trinidad and Tobago
hosted members of the Legal Profession from one African country so that there
could have been an in‑depth exchange on each other's legal
systems. This has contributed to the achievement of heightened levels of
governance.
Technical or financial assistance to the AU, ECA, ADB or the NEPAD
secretariat to develop NEPAD projects or programmes
While there has been no direct assistance to the NEPAD Secretariat or to the AU, ECA or ADB for specific NEPAD projects or programmes, Trinidad and Tobago continues to supply teachers, nurses and
other professionals to African countries through private arrangements. It should be noted that
since the 1970's Trinidad and Tobago has
provided scholarships to African students through the, Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. These
initiatives predate NEPAD but continue to present day.
The government provided support in following area:
§
Governance ‑
Political, Economic and Corporate
§
Human Resource
Development (Health, Education); and
§
Market Access and
§
Investment