NEWLY appointed Trade, Investment and Tourism Minister Satykama “Kama” Maharaj said his focus will be on diversifying the economy beyond oil and gas; expanding trade and exports; strengthening local manufacturing; driving investment and innovation and positioning tourism as a pillar of economic growth.

Maharaj, who was sworn in at President’s House, Port of Spain on May 7, is the founder of Sacha Cosmetics, which has been in business for 45 years. In a post on his Facebook page, Maharaj said he did not take the responsibility of being appointed minister lightly.

He was one of two final appointments to Persad-Bissessar's government with the other being PEP leader Phillip Edward Alexander who has been appointed a minister in the Ministry of Housing.