The online Trade and Business Information Portal puts information at your fingertips

May 26th, 2022

Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce

The Trade and Business Information Portal, which was launched by the Ministry of Trade and Industry on May 25th at the Trinidad Hilton will have a significant impact on the ease of doing business in Trinidad and Tobago, as it provides easy online access to a repository of valuable information on trade, investment and business in general. The Chamber is particularly pleased with the launch of the portal, as we have advocated for such a facility for many years as a means of improving the ease of doing business. In the words of Chamber Chief Executive Officer Ian De Souza, who delivered remarks, “The launch of this Portal, along with the work being done to meet other commitments under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, sends a clear signal of the Ministry’s commitment to put international trade, and both local and foreign investment, at the heart of our country’s economic growth. From a private sector perspective, that is noteworthy and very laudable.”

Current global circumstances have made it clearer than ever that we must transform away from energy dependence and continue to invest in other export-led sources of earnings. We must also facilitate investment in the retail and distributive trades, which are vital to day-to-day life and economic activity. Having information readily available is a major part of delivering this goal. Trinidad and Tobago now joins several other countries in meeting its commitment under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement to establish an internet-based trade portal to enable access to information on trade and investment rules and procedures.

Mr. De Souza stated that “The portal is beautifully laid out. It puts information on trade, investment and business in Trinidad and Tobago at the fingertips of anyone needing it. The website is easy to navigate and rich in content. It goes as far as providing information on investment opportunities and investment incentives, which would make it easier for anyone, local and from afar, to make a decision on doing business in this country.”

The Chamber acknowledges that building a sustainable, competitive economy requires ongoing work. We at the Chamber will continue to make ourselves available to work with Government and other stakeholders for the success of the initiative, because of the ease that it will bring in the conduct of business and, by extension, the improvement in competitiveness, national income and the improvement in the standard of living for the citizenry of Trinidad and Tobago.