The Export Centres Company Limited, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Community Development, will formally roll out its Strategic Plan 2012-2016 on Friday February 3, 2012 at the Ken Galt Hall, Centre of Excellence in Macoya from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The ECCL has prepared this draft document in the context of the Government in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s (GORTT) new vision of sustainable growth that is supported by seven (7) pillars of development, and also in the context of a stagnating economy.  In this context the desired future state of ECCL by 2016 is projected to be:

• A professionally managed & operated organization
  
• A company oriented to commercial operations
  
• Enhanced Economic and Life skill capacity of  craft & fashion artisans
  
• Improved image and  visibility at national, regional and international levels for the ECCL
  
• Highly motivated and optimally performing staff
  
• Promotion of craft and fashion  programmes which are environmentally sensitive, and geared to sustainable development

As part of its master strategy, ECCL will continuously deliver sustainable developmental programmes and services to the craft and fashion sub sectors utilizing modern ICT infrastructure, research and stakeholder contributions.

The Export Centres Company Limited was inaugurated on July 3rd, 1996 by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. The company is geared towards the revitalization of the local craft industry and enterprise development.  ECCL is also a special government initiative that has a long-term goal of crime and poverty reduction and to contribute to economic diversification.

ECCL’s mandate is to train persons to become micro-entrepreneurs capable of producing and selling high quality craft items. Our centres are located in various geographical areas throughout Trinidad. The company currently offers projects, programmes & services in the areas of Craft Training and Business Development.

The prime objective of ECCL is to provide export-specific training for persons who previously received basic training in craft development at the Community Development Division of the Ministry of Community Development, and training or those who benefitted from other relevant training programmes.

Members of the media are cordially invited to attend this strategic rollout.

A cake on display at the Export Centres table during a Community Fair hosted by the Couva South Constituency in the carpark of the Cash and Carry Supermarket on Saturday January 14, 2012.