The Trade Minister, Paula Gopee-Scoon, has eased tensions between Guyana and T&T concerning a shipment of milk that was returned by a T&T importer.
Gopee-Scoon met with Guyana officials and responded to concerns.
A story in Stabroek News quoted the matter being raised by Demerara Distillers Limited, who were seemingly prohibited from entering Trinidad and Tobago with their consignment of goods, which included milk, mineral waters, and flavoured beverages.
In a media release, the Trade Ministry says the importer took the decision to return the products to Guyana as it did not possess the requisite regulatory documentation.
The release notes that the Trade Minister, in a meeting yesterday, told the Guyana Private Sector Commission and Demerara Distillers Limited that the matter arose out of a misunderstanding by the importer of the regulatory requirements for the importation of these products.
The Minister also assured that on receipt of the relevant information, T&T would expeditiously process the regulatory requirements for Demerara Distillers Limited.
The importation of the products requires an Import Permit be issued for first-time imports of milk from any country, and a Risk Analysis must be undertaken by the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO).