In a significant development for Caribbean-Latin American economic relations, the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TT Chamber) has established a formal trade partnership with Mexico’s Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE). The landmark memorandum of understanding was signed on October 30 during the 31st Mexican Foreign Trade Congress in Querétaro, facilitated by the Mexican Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago.
This institutional framework creates a structured collaboration mechanism between the private sectors of both nations, focusing on sustainable growth, innovation, and regional economic integration. The agreement establishes concrete cooperation protocols for joint project development, information exchange, business missions, and mutual support in trade and investment promotion.
The signing ceremony occurred within the context of a comprehensive TT trade mission to Mexico from October 25-31, led by TT Chamber president Sonji Pierre-Chase. During high-level working sessions, Pierre-Chase presented substantial collaboration opportunities to Mexican business leaders, emphasizing her organization’s role as Trinidad and Tobago’s primary economic representative and the largest business association within the Caribbean Community (Caricom).
A particularly strategic dimension emerged through the TT Chamber’s participation in the COMCE Mesoamerican Foreign Trade Council, which convened public and private sector representatives across Central America and the Caribbean. Mexican Ambassador Víctor Hugo Morales highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s crucial position within Caribbean markets and Mexico’s opportunity to diversify exports while integrating more deeply into regional value chains. The diplomat specifically noted TT’s potential role in maritime transport initiatives due to its extensive infrastructure and connectivity throughout the Eastern Caribbean.
Pierre-Chase stated, ‘Our participation in COMCE provides significant leverage for TT businesses to explore opportunities beyond Caricom markets. Given how global politics directly impact trade, we consider it prudent to seek new market opportunities within the Pan Caribbean region. This engagement positions Trinidad and Tobago to potentially become the first English-speaking country invited to join Mesoamerica.’
The Congress featured thematic panels on global logistics trends, disruptive trade strategies, corporate responsibility, and artificial intelligence’s impact on business management. The TT delegation actively engaged in the Made in Mexico with Quality B2B program, demonstrating strong interest in developing strategic supply chains and joint manufacturing partnerships.
The mission included substantive meetings with Querétaro government officials to explore initiatives promoting trade, investment, and cultural-educational exchanges. Business representatives Sarah Gangadeen and Clint Groves of Firestone Bread Co Ltd conducted successful negotiations with San Luis Potosí officials and local producers, establishing food sector procurement agreements and arranging acquisition of additional industrial baking equipment with Mexican embassy support.
Flavio González, the embassy’s head of trade and cooperation, outlined Mexico’s trade promotion strategies in TT while highlighting opportunities to strengthen regional presence and engage Caribbean partners for internationalizing the ‘Plan Mexico’ initiative.
The trade mission successfully enhanced bilateral economic cooperation, established new business collaboration channels, and positioned both nations as dynamic, reliable partners in the region. The TT Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional economic growth through continued engagement with business chambers, relevant organizations, and governments.