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Reopening the former Pointe-a-Pierre refinery will only succeed if the Government secures a partner with substantial financial resources and guaranteed access to crude oil, economist Dr Ronald Ramkissoon has cautioned, following Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s announcement that the United States will assist in identifying a suitable investor.
Persad-Bissessar said restarting the refinery was a key focus of her recent bilateral talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as Trinidad and Tobago seeks to deepen cooperation with Washington on energy and security. She disclosed that Rubio agreed to connect the Government with the US Department of Energy to help identify “the best partner” to reopen the facility.
The Prime Minister added that several entities have already expressed interest. Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal has met with one prospective partner, while she held discussions with another during her recent visit to St Kitts. Further talks ar e expected, including with the African Export-Import Bank.
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