By Clint Chan Tack Thursday, March 18 2010

PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning has opened the door to significant German investment in Trinidad and Tobago. This was revealed yesterday by German Ambassador to TT, Dr Ernst Martens following an exchange of instruments of ratification for a treaty concerning the encouragement and reciprocal protection of investments between TT and Germany at Knowlsey Building in Port-of-Spain. Martens also hinted at the possibility of direct talks between Manning and German Chancellor Angela Merkel to further strengthen TT-Germany relations.

Recalling that Manning was the feature speaker at the “Day of the Americas” business forum in Munich on October 30, 2008, Marten said “he brought the house down.” Martens disclosed that subsequent meetings which Manning held with German companies “did have positive consequences as far as German investment in this country is concerned.”

Stating that Merkel was unable to meet with Manning in 2008 due to other matters of state, Martens said, “There will be other possibilities and we are working on it. I can assure you that the embassy is working for the continuation of such visits.” Noting that Germany receives natural gas from countries such as Russia and Nigeria, Martens disclosed that “a large company” in Germany was looking at the possibility of importing natural gas from TT.

Foreign Affairs Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon said, “Germany is one of our leading sources of foreign direct investment and it is our intention to continue to strengthen this business relationship.” Gopee-Scoon said the treaty, which will come into force on April 17, formed part of Government’s ongoing strategy of “expanding trade and economic contacts in the global economy.”