T&T’s proposals for the suspension of the Common External Tariff on various food items will be considered at a trade meeting in Guyana.

A group led by Trade Ministry Acting Permanent Secretary Randall Karim has been in Georgetown yesterday and today for the 57th Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development.

The Trade Ministry says the meeting will consider requests by T&T for suspend the tariff on basic foods such as dried salted pollock, cheddar cheese, black tea, corned beef, pasta, canned fish, active yeast and baby food.

The requests also cover safety products/PPE and inputs into the manufacturing sector and cement.

The Ministry adds that the suspension of the tariff on these items is intended to maintain lower prices for consumers, as well as to support local manufacturing.

The Council for Trade and Economic Development is the body responsible for the promotion of trade and economic development of the Community.