Friday, June 3 2005 13:03 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Port of Spain: Stressing that no country can stay aloof from development in the era of globalisation, Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee has called for inculcating attitudes that foster commerce and maximise trade.

"In these days of globalisation, no country can remain aloof from development, since it is in the interest to inculcate attitudes of growing commerce and maximising trade," Chatterjee, who is leading an Indian Parliamentary delegation, said at a meeting with Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Referring to bilateral ties, he said, "We have a very longstanding relationship, not only because there are a large number of people of Indian origin here, but it is a country which has believed in democracy."

It was announced that a trade delegation from the Caribbean nation would visit India in December this year.

Ian Welch, Vice-President of the Chamber, praised India for its emphasis on education. "In terms of education, India has been a strong supporter of tertiary education for our young people and has been offering 10 training slots to Trinidadian candidates every years for the past ten years under the Indian Technical and Economic Programme."

Indian High Commissioner Virendra Gupta said that Indian businessmen regard Trinidad and Tobago not just "Brian Lara country and home of the Queen's Park Oval", but also as the most vibrant economy in the region.