Trinidad and Tobago’s Ambassador Dr. Neil Parsan Addresses African Caribbean Business Council
Philadelphia, PA – Ambassador Dr. Neil Parsan, Trinidad and Tobago’s Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States addressed the African and Caribbean Business Council (ABCB) conference held recently in Philadelphia, PA. The theme of the conference was driving economic development and building access to global markets.
Ambassador Parsan explained to the packed hall at the Penn Museum of the economies of Caribbean member states and discussed the state of the economy of Trinidad and Tobago including critical economic indicators required for business decision making. The competitive advantages of the twin island Republic was highlighted including the macro-economic and political stability and investor friendly environment with it’s relative ease of doing business. The audience was particularly impressed with the existing pool of educated and skilled labour available in the country.
Dr. Parsan further explained the business strategy developed for Trinidad and Tobago inclusive of opportunities in traditional energy, alternative energy, urban development including infrastructural development, capital market development and the creative industries. Potential investors requested further information on opportunities in the downstream energy third tier industries, manufacturing and business back-room support. Business incentives, existing trade agreements and speciality services sector were also detailed.
The ACBC honored the achievement of outstanding members for their innovation, excellence, leadership and entrepreneurial. It recognizes contributions of African and Caribbean immigrants. According to recent estimates, the city and region are the homes of some 80,000 immigrants from more than 35 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and African-Latinos.
The event’s goals were to promote international trade and investments between Africa, the Caribbean and the Greater Philadelphia region; propagate the perspectives of African and Caribbean entrepreneurs with respect to global policies that affect their ability to conduct business; organize global & local training workshops and events as well as engage city, state, and federal government officials, through partnership and advocacy, to make available necessary infrastructures for the development and maintenance of viable African and Caribbean business communities.
The Advisory Board members to the ACBC include Sir George Alleyne, Chancellor of The University of the West Indies and Dr. Anthony Bryan of University of Miami and Hon. Shirley Nathan Pulliam, Member of the House of Delegates.
(Left to right) H.E. Dan Ohene Agyekum, Ambassador of Ghana; H.E. Ms. Tebelelo Mazile Seretse, Ambassador of Botswana; H.E. Dr. Neil Parsan, Ambassador of Trinidad & Tobago; Richard Hodges, Penn Museum Williams Director; H.E. Seydou Bouda, Ambassador of Burkina Faso; Johnny Moloto, Deputy Chief of Mission, South African Embassy, in the Penn Museum’s Imagine Africa gallery project. The Ambassadors all took part in the African and Caribbean Business Council’s roundtable program, hosted by the Penn Museum. The event brought six ambassadors from African and Caribbean countries together with Philadelphia business leaders.
