The role of businessmen
By
Jameela A Ali
Trinidad & Tobago Express
Port
Spain
Petroleumworld.com
07 09 06
BUSINESSMEN need to play an important role in the
economy of Trinidad and Tobago so that the country
can continue on a path of prosperity after the gas
and oil boom.
Republic
Bank managing director, David Dulal-Whiteway said:
"Our businessmen have to play a lead role in
both our local and regional economy and this is
they key to our survival after the gas and oil boom."
He
said: "We must be cautious, however, not to
depend on oil and gas for the future of our economy.
These will not last forever and as such we will
need to plan for the future, using the fruits of
our achievements in the oil and gas sector."
This
was disclosed last Wednesday during the launch of
the fourth annual Excellence In Business Awards
held jointly by The Business Development Company
(BDC) and Republic Bank Limited at the bank head
office on Park Street.
Dual-Whiteway
said: "As fortune would have it, Trinidad and
Tobago has found itself at an economic advantage
through great developments in our energy sector
and at present, oil and gas are fuelling a mini-boom."
"There
has been solid growth in the energy sector (11 per
cent) as well as an improved performance by the
non-energy sector (4 per cent). The growth of the
non-energy sector was led by the construction, distribution
and manufacturing industries," he said.
In
closing, he said: "Trinidad and Tobago will
continue to realise its global potential and thanks
to the country's qualification for the 2006 FIFA
World Cup along with our team's impressive performance,
our international exposure has increased immensely."
"Many
doors have now been opened for our entrepreneurs
and they must take full advantage of every opportunity
available to not only help themselves but to assist
their country in reaching its full potential,"
Dulal-Whiteway said.
"Republic
Bank is proud to host these awards in close partnership
with the Business Development Company in recognition
of the major role played by all members of the business
community in Trinidad and Tobago, and in appreciation
of their contribution towards the augmentation of
our nation's economy," Dulal-Whiteway said.
"As
these businesses succeed they not only provide meaning
employment to the people of Trinidad and Tobago,
but also assist in nation building and the achievement
of our nation's goal of developed world status by
2020," he said.
Trinidad & Tobago Express /Wednesday, July 5th
2006
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©2006 Trinidad Express. All Rights Reserved.
