(Trinidad Guardian) Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon has heaped praise on local manufacturer SM Jaleel for contributing to T&T’s exports over the 100 years of its existence.
Delivering the feature address at the company’s 100th anniversary and Long Service Awards at Achievors Banquet Hall, in San Fernando, Gopee-Scoon highlighted the impressive growth in the non-energy manufacturing sector over the past decade, particularly in food and beverage exports.
She said between 2015 and 2023, food and beverage exports rose from $2.1 billion to $3.2 billion, with non-alcoholic beverage exports increasing by $188 million during this period.
“SM Jaleel emerged as a major player, accounting for 12 per cent of the country’s food and beverage exports in 2023,” she said.
Gopee-Scoon noted that SM Jaleel exports to over 65 countries, with Caribbean markets being the largest.
“The top five destinations for SM Jaleel products are Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname, Barbados, and St Lucia, which together represent over 80 per cent of total exports from 2019 to 2024,” she added.
The minister attributed the company’s success to its commitment to constant improvement and innovation.
She said SM Jaleel was the first in the Caribbean to manufacture hot fill PET bottles and the first globally to market fruit juices in two-piece aluminium cans using nitrogen.
Affirming the government’s commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes, Gopee-Scoon said the government has facilitated trade missions and established commercial offices to assist companies in navigating international markets.
“The new Special Economic Zones (SEZ) regime aims to attract investments across T&T, with SM Jaleel’s investment at the Phoenix Park Industrial Estate being a notable example,” she said.
The minister recognized the efforts of all employees who contributed to SM Jaleel’s success over the past 100 years.
She highlighted the importance of the long service awards which honour the dedication of staff who have helped build the brand. She also noted the launch of SM Jaleel’s new internship programme which aims to retain young talent and inspire future leaders.
As she congratulated SM Jaleel on its 100 years of business, calling it a source of national pride, Gopee-Scoon emphasized the rarity of companies that last a century, citing statistics from the US Bureau of Labour Statistics.
She acknowledged that SM Jaleel stands alongside other corporations celebrating their centenaries, including Dole, Duracell, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Simon & Schuster, and Universal Studios.
She also commended the leadership of Dr Aleem Mohammed, Chief Operating Officer Anna Mohammed, and the executive team for their influence on the nation’s manufacturing landscape.