By Sue-Ann Wayow
MINISTER of Trade and Industry Paula Gopee-Scoon made a call for manufacturers to get certified in order to increase their export capability by accessing the grant facility under the Export Booster Initiative which is being executed by exporTT Limited.
She made the call during a visit to family-owned business, Eniath’s Printing Company Limited (EPCL) on Wednesday.
EPCL located at eTecK’s Frederick Settlement Business Park is a major supplier for the printing and publishing sector throughout the English speaking Caribbean and currently services publishers and partners in the Caribbean region from diverse segments including education, trade and religion.
Over the last two to three years, Eniath’s has recognised the need for expansion and diversification of its operations and made substantial investment into the food-packaging market which entails the printing of folding cartons primarily for the food and beverage industry.
During the tour of the 40,000 square footage of production space, the Gopee-Scoon praised the company’s efforts.
In a press release by the ministry on Friday, the minister said, “Diversification is not just the responsibility of the Government but the responsibility of businesses to diversify their products so they can transition and adapt to a changing economy.”
She commended the company on successfully penetrating the regional market with its packaging products and said that investment in niche sub-sectors will result in increased potential to build capacity in the domestic manufacturing sector.
It will also encourage supply chain linkages with various industries, particularly those in the food and beverage sector.
Gopee-Scoon was also pleased with the high standard of the facility and commended them on attaining the Brand Reputation through Compliance of Global Standards (BRCGS) for Food Safety which is an international food safety certification that enables manufacturers to export food packaging to any part of the world.
She encouraged the company to continue collaborating with the relevant ministries and agencies, including the chambers to access the facilities, resources and opportunities afforded to them.
Gopee-Scoon met with Managing Director Shahnaz Mohammed, Director and Sales Manager Isa Mohammed Director and General Manager Naim Khan.
Isa Mohammed, Director and Sales Manager, added that Eniath’s was very environmentally conscious noting that all the paper waste generated from their production process was recycled and sometimes also reused in the plant operations.
