Amcham Welcomes Persad-Bissessar and Rodríguez Talks on Trinidad-Venezuela Cooperation

The American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago has welcomed renewed high-level engagement between Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez, saying the talks could create opportunities for stronger economic cooperation between the neighbouring countries. The two leaders met in New York on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, where discussions focused on rebuilding bilateral engagement and identifying areas for practical cooperation. According to Amcham T&T, the subjects identified included trade, energy, security, disaster risk management, environmental protection, agriculture, tourism, air connectivity and culture. The chamber said progress in those areas could expand opportunities for trade, investment and business activity while improving regional resilience. Amcham T&T chief executive Nirad Tewarie said sustained dialogue between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela could help turn renewed political engagement into tangible economic opportunities. The organisation also highlighted the importance of maintaining high-level consultations so that commitments made during the talks can be followed by concrete action. The meeting carries particular importance because Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela share close geographic, commercial and energy links. Changes in diplomatic relations between Port of Spain and Caracas can therefore have direct implications for cross-border trade, energy development, migration, transportation and security cooperation. Reports on the meeting said both governments agreed to pursue a relationship based on dialogue, sovereignty and mutual respect, with future official visits to Caracas and Port of Spain also discussed. Amcham T&T said it will continue supporting efforts that strengthen commercial and economic ties and produce measurable benefits for businesses and citizens in both countries.