EUROCHAMTT: Driving EU-Caribbean Trade and Sustainability
February 5th, 2025
EUROCHAMTT has been a pivotal force in nurturing vibrant trade and investment relationships between the European Union (EU) and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). As a membership-driven, non-profit organisation, it champions EU investors and businesses, facilitating market access and forging high-value, long-term, sustainable trade and investment partnerships in T&T and the wider Caribbean. In 2023, the EU was CARIFORUM’s second-largest trading partner after the United States (US), underscoring the critical role EUROCHAMTT plays in strengthening these vital economic ties and driving growth across the region.
Navigating EU-T&T Trade Dynamics
In supporting business and trade relations between T&T and European countries, EUROCHAMTT maintains ties with the Delegation of the European Union to T&T, as well as diplomatic missions and honorary consuls of EU countries in T&T. The Chamber is also an active member of the European Business Organisation (EBO) Worldwide Network.
Through the analysis of frameworks such as the EU-CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the Global Gateway initiative and by keeping up to date on important EU legislation, especially related to the European Green Deal Policy, EUROCHAMTT ensures its members and private sector is well-informed of the requirements for doing business with Europe.
The organisation lobbies for the implementation of international agreements impacting EU operators, including those on transparency and information exchange for tax purposes and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Additionally, the Chamber highlights new EU policies such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which will impact fertiliser exports, anti-deforestation regulations, which could impact the cocoa industry, and the latest ecodesign regulations for sustainable products. EUROCHAMTT strongly advocates for international quality standards and sustainable business practices of international bodies such as the United Nations (UN), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the World Trade Organization (WTO), especially those required for engaging in business with the EU.
EUROCHAMTT offers advocacy opportunities through the development of position papers, policy dialogue workshops, and invitations to comment on policy formulation. Its trade services include market research, organising inward and outward missions, B2B matchmaking, and facilitating project participation.
The Chamber also manages internationally funded projects targeting private sector innovation and improvements. Through its membership in the EBO Worldwide Network, it provides access to a network in over 50 countries, as well as toolkits and training resources.
Scaling Success Through Strategic Partnerships
Partnership has always been an essential part of EUROCHAMTT’s strategy for scaling and impact. Since 2022, the organisation has partnered with the UN T&T Office on the “Sustainability Champion Awards”. In 2024, the partners were joined by The UWI Department of Geography to promote sustainability in business operations. Since November 2021, EUROCHAMTT has collaborated with CARIRI and Beta Technology Limited on the “Shaping the Future of Innovation” project, supporting business innovation.
From 2014 to 2017, the Chamber worked with the Ministry of Trade and Industry on the “Tobago Good Foods Project”, promoting sustainably produced foods for tourism and export markets.
In 2014 and 2016, the Chamber partnered with the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago and the then Mayor of Port of Spain on workshops to revitalise the capital city and green urban transport, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)—Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Ongoing collaborations with the EU-funded COLEAD provide technical support and training to produce local agricultural and agro-processed products. The Chamber consistently promotes EU-funded Caribbean Export Development Agency programmes, having collaborated with the organisation multiple times at the Trade and Investment Convention (TIC), the largest tradeshow in T&T.
Looking ahead, EUROCHAMTT plans to map the presence and impact of EU investments in T&T, highlighting their contribution to employment, technology, and sustainability. It also aims to expand its “Sustainability Champion Awards” through partnerships.
The goal is to build on the sustainability training, self-assessments, and awards from the past two years by enhancing training, providing technical support, and facilitating networking opportunities. This will enable more businesses to drive innovation and integrate sustainability into their operations.
With its strategic alliances, cutting-edge advocacy, and commitment to sustainable development, EUROCHAMTT is revolutionising the business landscape, ensuring that its members are always ahead of the curve in navigating the complexities of international trade.
18 O’Connor Street, Woodbrook
Port of Spain, Trinidad
Tel: (868) 728-0009
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.eurochamtt.org
By Bavina Sookdeo
