Page 71 - PNM General Election 2020 Manifesto

sector. The Centre of Excellence will bring information on funding opportunities locally
together the relevant stakeholders and can offer and internationally, provide information on
the following services over the short, medium technical standards and publish information
and long term once it is established: on new trends (research, varieties, best
practices, markets and technology) and
research in the sector

o Collaborative R&D for new high value-added
product design, food production processes,
new varieties of products and to test
application concepts while also promoting
the development of innovative packaging
design

STRENGHTHEN LINKAGES BETWEEN INDUSTRY
AND AGRICULTURE TO BUILD SUSTAINABLE
FOOD SYSTEMS
o Competence development through skills
development training in technical and The PNM will:
business proficiencies, domestic and
international apprenticeships, and business • Encourage and support products that can
training through practical applications such derive higher-value added benefits through the
as pilot farms Manufacturing Sector such as Agri-processing,
nutraceuticals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals,
o Accelerating innovation by providing access textiles, paper, packaging, adhesive industries
to equipment and facilities for testing and etc.
certification, adapting existing technologies
to business needs, providing advisory • Promote the utilisation of final products from
services on intellectual property protection farming and fishing to expand the experience in
and boosting the technological capabilities of the tourism industry through visitor attractions
businesses with a lack of capacity and tours, marine parks and other community
events associated with food and fisheries, e.g.
o Consultancy/Industry support in the form of BessFest in Trinidad and Tobago Blue Food
advisory and mentorship services in technical Festival
and business areas as well as technical advice
on certification and quality control measures

o Connecting businesses through inter-sectoral
cluster development, closing the gap
between academia and business research
and development collaborations and
providing advice for sectoral innovation
collaboration policy, regulation and
certification

o Creating communities of practice through
thought leadership initiatives such as • Develop industries which produce bioethanol,
seminars and conferences, provide biodiesel, and biogas from organic waste which

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PNM THE RIGHT CHOICE ON AUGUST 10 People’s National Movement Manifesto 2020