“Jamaica Trade Desk News” Theme: Fostering competitiveness in the region...

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I S S U E 6 – A P R I L 2 0 1 3 M O N T H L Y P U B L I C A T I O N

H I G H L I G H T O N

T H E I M PO R -

T A N C E O F MA N U -

F A C T U R I N G:

Transforming T&T’s

manufacturing sector

into a driving force...

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Examining drug indus-

try issues in T&T:

The T& pharmaceuti-

cal industry and coun-

terfeit drug traffick-

ing industry nexus…

2

Call for tender:

FIDC– Request for

proposal!

4

Regional & Interna-

tional Events:

The Caribbean In-

vestment Week…!!!

5

Participation to

ANUGA 2013!

6

InvesTT services... 7

Useful links 7

Contact the JA-T&T

Trade Desk TODAY! 7

6

Transforming T&T’s manufacturing sector into a driving force!

“It is now necessary to develop a new and more ag-

gressive manufacturing culture which will see every

obstacle as an opportunity.” This, according to

newly elected president of the TTMA Nicholas Lok

Jack. Mr. Lok Jack was delivering his inaugural

address at the TTMA‟s 57th AGM Business Break-

fast, which took place on Monday 15th April, 2013 at

the Hyatt Regency Trinidad. He called on all manu-

facturers to move beyond their comfort level, urg-

ing them to consider opportunities that exist out-

side of CARICOM and encouraging them to take

advantage of bilateral and multinational trade

agreements.

The TTMA President called on manufacturers to

reinvest in their businesses and not allow their facto-

ries to run down. He cautioned, “Do not strip the

profits out of your businesses to invest in other ven-

tures at the expense of your factories.” He said the

time was right to invest given the liquidity, low cost

of capital and investment incentives that exist.

Mr. Lok Jack noted that Trinidad and Tobago is a

small, but great, country; hampered by high crime

rates and a significant traffic problem. He stated,

“Government must provide an enabling environ-

ment devoid of bureaucratic impediments,” noting

that this is a problem many past presidents of the

Association have faced. Despite all this, he is confi-

dent that Trinidad and Tobago is still an excellent

country in which to invest.

The TTMA President announced plans to have

trade missions to Central American countries to

build relationships and explore business opportuni-

ties. “This will not be an easy task - we will face

competition from regional companies and major

international corporations targeting these markets,”

he said.

With regard to the membership of the TTMA, Mr.

Lok Jack said he understands members are differ-

ent and therefore will require services that are tai-

lored to meet their individual needs. He said he

plans to meet with different groups to assess what

their needs are and how the TTMA can adapt to

better serve them.

The Honourable Winston Dookeran, Acting Prime

Minister, reiterated the importance of focusing on

a wider market. He said the challenge for the

manufacturing sector was to develop a new ne-

gotiating strategy and architecture to operate

within a “wider and deeper Caribbean con-

text.” For successful convergence of Caribbean econo-

mies, Mr. Dookeran said a fully integrated capital

market was required in which the stock market

helped the free flow of capital, and double taxation

treaties and partial scope agreements should be

reviewed.

Mr. Lok Jack was elected at the TTMA‟s 57th An-

nual General Meeting, which took place at the

Hyatt Regency Trinidad on Monday 15th April,

2013. The TTMA also elected a new Board of Direc-

tors at the 57th AGM:

- Mr. Nicholas Lok Jack (President)

- Mr. Paul Quesnel

- Mr. Craig La Croix

- Mr. Robin Lewis

- Mr. Robin Phillips

- Mr. Darren Leigh

- Mrs. Genevieve Jodhan

- Ms. Franka Costelloe (newly elected)

- Mr. Roger Roach (newly elected)

- Mr. Anthony Farah (newly elected)

- Dr. Rolph Balgobin (newly elected)

- Mr. Ashmeer Mohammed (newly elected).

Mr. Nicholas Lok Jack offering his inaugural speech as the new President of the TTMA during the 57th Annual General Meeting at

the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

P A G E 2

Pharmaceutical industry vs. the counterfeit drug trafficking in T&T

For much of the last century, pharmaceutical drugs have

played a prominent role in health care globally. Its promi-

nence is skewed in favour of more developed countries,

where resource and cost conditions make them more eas-

ily accessible. However, in recent times, this role has

been of increased importance to developing nations, like

Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), owing to, inter alia, trade

liberalization and foreign import dependence.

Unfortunately, the emergence of the Counterfeit Drug

Trafficking Industry has negatively influenced the dy-

namics of the legitimate Pharmaceutical market. As such,

overcoming this phenomenon, poses a challenge for

T&T, and furthermore the developed world. Neverthe-

less, the few local manufacturers of pharmaceutical drugs

that have faced the odds, and have been experiencing

growth in the face of the highly competitive industry,

must be highly commended.

This article offers a glimpse at the issues of counterfeit

drugs from a socio-economic, economic and regulatory

perspective, with a glimpse at T&T.

Socio-Economic Issues

Patients expect drugs to be safe, however the proliferation

of counterfeit drugs continue to affect human lives glob-

ally. This is evident in countless reports which indicate

that the production of substandard and fake drugs has

caused unnecessary morbidity, mortality and loss of con-

fidence in medicines and health structures.

Most counterfeit drugs contain no active ingredients, and

therefore are unable to deliver the medical results to pa-

tients who purchase them; while others contain ingredi-

ents that cause unknown side effects which can lead to

complications not anticipated by the drug users. Accord-

ing to the World Health Organization/FDA (2003), coun-

terfeit drugs have accounted for approximately 10% of

global medicine; thereby suggesting annual criminal sales

of excess US$35,000,000,000.

While to date there has been no reported deaths or

illnesses owing to counterfeit drugs in T&T, the Minis-

ter of Health, Dr. Fuad Khan, who was speaking at the

recent forum on the deadly implications of counterfeit

trafficking, warned that counterfeit drugs was a „real

problem‟. No exact information on the matter was pre-

sented; however, he explained that counterfeit drugs in

T&T have been linked to cancer drugs, anti-

hypertensive, anti-diabetics and anti-biotics.

Economics issues

Counterfeit pharmaceuticals usually affect people of

various income levels – although the impact of these

drugs is concentrated among the poor in developing

nations, the distribution is by no means exclusive to

them. Regardless of income grouping, the ongoing sup-

ply of counterfeit drugs indicates that there is a strong

demand for its production. Most, if not all counterfeit

drugs originate from non-recognized manufacturers in

the country of origin, who operate as bonafide manu-

factures of the drugs in question.

From the supply side, some distributors of counterfeit

drugs are complicit in the counterfeiting scheme, and

knowingly purchase, and subsequently resell cheap

fakes to customers. By under pricing these drugs, dis-

tributors tend to gain an unfair cost advantage in the

market over legitimate pharmaceutical distributors.

This in itself leads to unfair competition in the market

and allows distributors of the counterfeit drugs to

„make a killing‟.

Minister Khan noted that in T&T, about 20 per cent of

pharmaceutical drugs imported into T&T are counter-

feit and appealed to the local pharmaceutical industry

to act with due diligence.

From the demand side, there are always customers,

whether in T&T or globally, who are willing to pur-

chase these products, given their cheaper costs, albeit

the lack of information that inhibits consumers‟ ability

to make informed purchasing decisions.

Regulatory Issues

Counterfeit drugs continue to be marketed as compet-

ing products under different names and purportedly

providing the same results as the legal drugs. Addition-

ally, some counterfeit drugs carry the same name as

legal drugs and as a result make detection of counterfeit

drugs difficult for the consumers and national drug

safety agencies.

In order to ensure that drugs are safe, effective and of

good quality, the creation of a competent national drug

regulatory authority, with the necessary human and

other resources to control the manufacture, importation,

distribution and sale of medicines is critical.

Go to next page

P A G E 3

Pharmaceutical industry vs. the counterfeit drug trafficking in T&T

According to the

WTO, out of its 191

member states, about

20% have well devel-

oped drug regulation,

while 30% either have

no drug regulation in

place or а very limited

capacity that hardly

functions.

In T&T, the laws and

regulations that govern

counterfeit drugs leaves much to be desired and must be

urgently revisited. Given the concerns of Minister Khan

on the proliferation of counterfeit drugs in T&T, some

suggested actions that can be undertaken include the need

for:

(1) Better enforcement of regulations governing the im-

portation and use of counterfeit drugs;

(2) Increased public awareness initiatives – that aim to

differentiate legitimate drugs from counterfeit drugs;

(3) Equipping the Chemistry Food and Drugs Division

(CFDD) with proficient inspectors and resourced

equipment for the policing and testing drug samples

respectively (including the conducting of Bio Equiva-

lence studies, where necessary).

(4) Importers/ distributors of counterfeit drugs to be

duly penalized

Ultimately the government of T&T needs to play a

more forceful role in restricting the proliferation of

counterfeit drugs; Furthermore, the under pricing of

these drugs negatively impacts on local producers of

pharmaceutical drugs. Particularly, the Ministries of

Health, along with CFDD and Customs and Excise

Division, need to be held accountable for counterfeit

drug trafficking in the country. Until this done, we will

continue to be hopelessly plagued by this internation-

ally rampant problem.

Contribution from Ms. Arianne Phillip– TTMA Re-

search Officer (Trade Unit). If you wish to have more

details on this topic, kindly contact her at: (868) 675-

8862 Ext. 234/ Email: researchdesk@ttma.com

P A G E 4

FIDC– Request for proposal... Anyone interested? The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment (MTII) invites proposals for the provision of

Consultancy Services for the preparation of a Strategic Plan for the local Fashion Industry

on behalf of the Fashion Industry Development Committee (FIDC). This invitation is open to

individuals, partnerships and corporations registered in Trinidad and Tobago as well as foreign

individuals, partnerships and corporations.

Terms of Reference:

Interested firms can obtain the Terms of Reference (TOR) document between the hours of

9:00am – 4:00pm, Monday to Friday, from: Mr. Mario Romany- Industry Specialist- Ministry of

Trade, Industry and Investment

Level 12, Nicholas Tower, 63-65 Independence Square, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Tel: 868-623-2931-4 ext. 2216/ Fax: 868-625-5445/ E-mail: romanyma@gov.tt

Any questions/queries regarding the Scope of Works must be directed to Mr. Romany, no later

than 2.00 p.m. Wednesday 21st May, 2013. The Terms of Reference (TOR) would be made available on the Minis-

try‟s website www.tradeind.gov.tt.

Submissions

Proposals from tenderers incorporated in Trinidad and Tobago must include:

1. A valid certificate from the Commissioner of the Board of Inland Revenue, not more than six (6) months old

2. A valid Value Added Tax (VAT) Certificate

3. A valid Certificate of Compliance issued in accordance with the National Insurance Act of Trinidad and Tobago,

Chapter 32:01 (as amended);

4. A copy of the Certificate of Incorporation, Certificate of Continuation or Certificate of Business Registration

(whichever is applicable) along with a current copy of the Notice of Directors identifying the principal officers of

the business, if the tenderer is a lawfully incorporated limited liability company, or if the tenderer operates as a sole

proprietorship or partnership.

Similar/comparable certification to those mentioned at (4) above, should be submitted if the tenderer is from a coun-

try other than Trinidad and Tobago.

- One original and three copies each along with one soft copy of the Technical and Financial proposals

respectively are to be submitted in two separately sealed envelopes. The envelopes must be clearly

marked on the outside as follows:

- “Tender for the Strategic Plan for the Fashion Industry of Trinidad and Tobago”

Envelope #1 - Technical Proposal

Envelope #2 - Financial Proposal

- The name and address of the consulting firm must be printed on both envelopes.

Envelopes must be addressed to:

The Chairman, Ministerial Tenders Committee

Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment

Level 16, Nicholas Tower, 63-65 Independence Square, Port of Spain

Deadline

Proposals must be deposited in the WHITE tenders box, labeled “Tender for the Strategic Plan for the Fashion In-

dustry of Trinidad and Tobago” located on the eastern side of Level 16 Nicholas Tower, no later than 1:30 pm (local

time) on Friday 7th June, 2013.

Tenderers should note that the dimensions of the slot in the Tenders Box are 37.5cm x 5.5cm, and as such, proposals

should be packaged accordingly. The Technical Proposals will be opened at 1:30 pm (local time) on Friday 7th June,

2013, at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment. The tenderer or his/her representative may be present at the

opening. The name of each tenderer will be announced at the time of the opening of the tenders. Tenderers

who do not attend the Tender Opening shall not be entitled to receive the tender information presented

thereat.

Late proposals will NOT be considered under any circumstances.

The Committee does not bind itself to accept any proposal(s).

The Committee reserves the right to cancel the bidding process either in its entirety or partially without defraying

any cost incurred by any individual, firm or company in submitting their proposal.

P A G E 5

The Regional Business Event of the Year!!!

P A G E 6

Expression of interest to participate to ANUGA 2013...!

Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) will be coordinating the Car-

ibbean Pavilion at the ANUGA 2013 Trade Show that will be held from Oc-

tober 5 – 9, 2013 at the Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany. CEDA will provide

regional exporters in the Agro Processing industry the opportunity to exhibit

and meet potential buyers/distributors. The Caribbean Pavilion will be making

its 1st appearance this year with the flavour, taste and aroma of Caribbean food

taking the spotlight for four days from Saturday 5, to Tuesday 8, October from

9:00am – 8:00pm and on Wednesday 9, October9:00am – 7:00 pm.

Per Diem to cover hotel accommodation, meals and any local transportation expenses for the duration of the event

in Cologne, Germany for one (1) participant per company will be covered by CEDA, however selected participants

will be required to cover their travel expenses. Complimentary passes (badges) will only be provided to exhibitors

(stand personnel). Additional exhibitor passes for attendees or visitors will be available online for EUR 103.00 per

pass and should be covered by the exhibitor. In addition GIZ will organise site visits after the exhibition period to 3

(three) companies in the food processing industry in Berlin. GIZ will cover the costs of this post-exhibition exercise.

Firms are encouraged to have extra copies of their company brochures (including business cards) available.

Key elements in the Caribbean Pavilion at ANUGA 2013 will include the following: Exhibition- Business to Busi-

ness Meetings- Conducting and facilitating market research- Market penetration activities- Establishing partner-

ships- Networking to garner buyers interest- Food taste testing

Exhibition

The Caribbean Pavilion will include products selected from across the region that meet specific criteria set out by

the Agency and deemed necessary to exploit the export opportunities. Participants will have their individual booth

space to showcase their products (including taste testing), as well as access to an area in the pavilion for B2B meet-

ings. In addition a German chef will prepare dishes using the products that are exhibited during the course of this

event. Therefore selected participants will also be required to submit at least 3 recipes which will be used by the

German Chef, as well as for inclusion in the Pavilion Brochure.

B2B Meetings

CEDA in collaboration with GIZ is responsible for buyer identification and recruitment and will contract an in-

market consultant. Selected companies will benefit from the following services provided by the in-market consult-

ant:

(1) Market Research of the German/EU market for the relevant product groups; (2) Identify, target and court spe-

cific high impact buyers in the German/EU market; (3) Facilitate export business matchmaking (B2B – direct buyer/

seller) meetings as well as coaching for CARIFORUM firms beforehand; (4) Liaise with Caribbean Export and GIZ

in identifying/suggesting strategies and tools to be used in reaching prospecting buyers; (5) Develop buyer, market,

sector and company profiles for business matchmaking (Caribbean Pavilion Brochure); (6) Solicit the active partici-

pation of Caribbean overseas missions in Germany to attract buyer groups and delegations and equipping them with

buyer recruitment kits; (7) Target the Diaspora both as buyers and for promotional support; (8) Contact and involve

Import-Export Associations, Chambers of Industry and Commerce and other relevant agencies in Germany/EU; (9)

Assist in the follow up with prospects, address queries or refer them to Caribbean Export; (10) Develop for each

company a post-show Marketing Strategy; (11) Provide strategic trade mission support to Caribbean Export in liais-

ing and coordinating with key contacts; (12) Procure the services of a German Chef to prepare Caribbean dishes

during the event;

Only companies who are export ready and competitively positioned to take advantage of market opportuni-

ties presented by the EPA will be selected. CEDA is seeking products from diverse creative specialties including

but not limited to: Preserves, Spreads, Condiments & Sauces- Herbs, Spices and Seasoning- Snack Foods- Bakery

Products- Beverages

For information on exhibitors Sign-up Details, participation’s criteria, as well as selection process, kindly con-

tact: Mr Sam Kruiner – Special Advisor, Export Development (CEDA) via email: skruiner@carib-export.com and

copied to Ms Ginelle Greene at ginelle.greene@giz.de

P A G E 7

InvesTT Facilitation & After care services... !

InvesTT provides investor Facilitation and Aftercare Services to assist you through the investment decision making

process, to helping to set up your operations in T&T and continuing to provide services once you are in operation.

Facilitation Services

Develop and coordinate all aspects related to in-country visits

Assist with provision of information and data related to making an investment decision

Assist with regulatory and registry issues in setting up initial operations

Property and location assistance /Recruitment and training guidance

Assist with settlement of any ex-pat personnel in country / Referrals to local service providers

Aftercare Services

Advisory services

Creating business linkages

Problem Solving/ Highlighting for policy change

Real Estate Services

Albrosco Limited: http://www.brydenstt.com

A.S. Bryden & Sons Limited: http://www.brydenstt.com

Associated Brands Industries Limited: http://www.abil-tt.com

Gopaul & Company Limited: http://www.gcltt.com

Hadco Limited: http://www.hadcoltd.com

Marketing & Distribution: http://www.marketing-distribution.com

S M Jaleel & Co. Limited: http://www.chubbysd.com

Vemco Limited: https://www.vemcott.com

West Indian Traders Limited : https://www.witltd.net/wp

Websites for a few Food Manufacturers & Distributors in T&T!

Is anyone interested in exporting to the twin-island?

The Trade Facilitation Desk offers a range of services:

Informing Jamaican businesses (among others) about import

regulations & entry requirements into T&T, as well as repre-

senting their interests;

Facilitating networking and business match-making with T&T

companies to improve trade;

Addressing major areas of concern/issues to the relevant trade institutions & regulatory agencies in T&T and

Jamaica (intermediating with such arms as customs, the standards authorities, and helping with negotiating the

bureaucracy) and offering support solutions;

Assisting in organization of trade missions to T&T (planning, ground support and follow up);

Undertaking consultations with prospective exporters, business support organizations, and

representatives of the public sector institutions that play key roles in the export process in T&T

and Jamaica.

For any queries, kindly contact the Trade Desk Officer- Mrs. Naika Pichi-Ayers

Tel: (868) 675-8862 Ext. 239 / Fax: (868) 675-9000

Email: tradeassist@ttma.com/ Webpage: http://www.ttma.com/jamaicatt_trade_desk