TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Strategically located in the south-eastern Caribbean within the Atlantic Basin, at the gateway to North, Central and South America, and outwards across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe and Africa, Trinidad and Tobago is well on the way to becoming the premier trade, business and investment centre of the region.
With a population of just 1.3 million people and steeped in democratic tradition, the regular and successful staging of free and fair elections has ensured continuity and consistency in policies formulated and implemented to stimulate international trade and investment in this twin-island Republic. As the country moves towards its stated goal of achieving developed country status by the year 2020, the Government continues to offer a number of investment incentives to foreign and local investors which have served to position Trinidad and Tobago as a major financial, manufacturing and transportation hub in the hemisphere.
Since independence, Trinidad and Tobago’s oil and gas industry has played a major part in its development. The country is ranked #1 in the export of ammonia and methanol from a single site and a leading exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), supplying the United States of America with 70% of its LNG needs.
Richly endowed with natural and human resources, and with a history of visionary and targeted policy formulation, Trinidad and Tobago has maintained an exceedingly favourable economic climate, characterized by political stability, low inflation, impressive growth rates, a stable exchange rate, falling unemployment and an efficient, non-intrusive regulatory system. In support of economic activity, the government continues to create incentives and opportunities for investors, with certain sectors identified for priority treatment.
In the area of international commerce, Trinidad and Tobago is signatory to several bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral trade and investment agreements which provide for an enhanced trading regime, and include safeguards for investors.
The successful exploitation of the country’s hydrocarbon resources has also acted as a catalyst for the growth of Trinidad and Tobago’s non-energy sectors. At present, a myriad of international and indigenous brands are manufactured in Trinidad and Tobago
Additionally, Trinidad and Tobago’s diverse cultural and natural heritage has made it an attractive location for leisure visitors as well as investors. The tourism industry of Trinidad and Tobago offers numerous investment opportunities in the hospitality services, sales and advertising, hotel and guest houses, and real estate sectors. Potential investors in Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism industry now have the opportunity to browse investment promotional material, and to apply for tourism investment incentives online.
As a gateway to the Americas, Trinidad and Tobago has used its strategic location to ensure that companies located here have the means to ensure ready access to overseas markets. Fully developed industrial ports at Port of Spainand Point Lisas serve as major transshipment points between the Americas and Europe. Trinidad and Tobago’s important location on international shipping routes has been an important factor in deciding on an ideal site for locating businesses and industry.
A major element of Government’s efforts to brand Trinidad and Tobago as the Conference capital of the region is the Waterfront Development Project , launched three years ago, which promises to change the face of Port of Spain to one of a modern capital city. The initiative is an integral part of government’s National Strategic Plan for Development. Modern air and sea ports, a comprehensive network of roads, advanced technology and communications infrastructure, low cost energy supply, favourable exchange rates, and a highly educated, skilled workforce make Trinidad and Tobago the premiere location for investors from all over the world. Come see for yourself !!!
