OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND STATE AGENCIES

The CSO is a Division of the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development charged with the responsibility of taking censuses in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and collecting, compiling, analyzing and publishing statistical information relating to all social and economic activities of the people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Customs & Excise Division is a division of the Ministry of Finance. Its role is:

• Revenue Collection and Protection
• The correct application of Trade Policy
• Protecting our physical Borders, Society and the Environment
• Collect and disseminate accurate Trade related information and statistics

Evolving Tecknologies and Enterprise Development Company Limited (e TecK) reviewed and revised its strategic direction in October 2011 and launched a 15-year Strategic Plan (2012-2027) to better align to the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s overall goal for diversification – “to drive the non-energy sectors for the sustainable long-term growth and development of diversified and knowledge-based economy that contributes to the creation of high quality jobs.”

The Trinidad and Tobago Creative Industries Company Ltd (CreativeTT) established by The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago through the Ministry of Trade and Industry is a wholly owned State enterprise with the mandate ‘to stimulate and facilitate the business development and export activities of the Creative Industries in Trinidad and Tobago to generate national wealth.’ CreativeTT is responsible for the strategic and business development of the three (3) subsectors under its purview- Film, Fashion and Music.

exporTT Ltd. was designated by the Cabinet of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to be the sole National Export Facilitation Organization of Trinidad and Tobago. exporTT Ltd’s  mandate is to:

• Generate export growth and diversification in the goods and services sectors
• Increase in the international competitiveness of exporters
• Develop new exporters across the various sectors of interest
• Expand to new markets, based on market research

As Trinidad and Tobago’s Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) aligned to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, InvesTT is the first point of contact for investors seeking investment opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Export Import Bank of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (EXIMBANK) remains the only official Export Credit Agency (ECA) in the country. It has emerged out of what was formerly the Trinidad and Tobago Export Credit Insurance Company Limited (EXCICO), which was established in 1973 by the Government to promote the export of goods and services. This allows regional buyers access to a wide range of manufactured goods on credit terms.

National Flour Mills Limited (NFM) was established in 1972 as a public trading company and has since been recognised as the main leader in flour milling, rice packaging, feed milling and dry mix operations throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

The primary role of TTBS is to develop, promote and enforce standards in order to improve the quality and performance of goods produced or used in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. To ensure industrial efficiency and development; promote public and industrial welfare, health and safety; and protect the environment.

To be the champion of business towards the development of a strong and sustainable national economy.

TTCSI is a national umbrella body that brings together all services sector organizations and associations. Basically it is an alliance of professional services associations and organizations. It will function as a focal point to lobby; channel and address trade in services issues and services development issues, which are critical for the sector to thrive in the competitive global environment.

Trinidad and Tobago Fair Trading Commission is an independent statutory body established pursuant to the Fair Trading Act No. 13 of 2006 with responsibility for:

1. preventing anti-competitive conduct thereby ensuring competition and efficiency while at the same time complementing other policies that promote competition;
2. maintaining free and fair competition in business; and
3. taking action against abuse of dominance, restraint of trade and unfair or deceptive trade practices.

Essentially, the Commission is responsible for implementing and administering the Act. Its mandate is to promote and maintain effective competition throughout the economy and to ensure that competition is not distorted, restricted or prevented. Its objectives include:

• Ensuring that all legitimate business enterprises have an equal opportunity to participate in the economy;
• Preventing anti-competitive conduct while at the same time complementing policies that promote competition;
• Raising awareness of the benefits of competition; and
• Exhibiting a high level of integrity and intellect.

The Commissioners of the Trinidad and Tobago Fair Trading Commission appointed to serve for a period of three years are listed hereunder:

Dr. Ronald Ramkissoon – Chairman
Dr. Arielle John
Dr. Mikaeel Mohammed
Mr. Christopher Sieuchand
Mr. Dennis Scott

The TTMA promotes, encourages and assists the growth and development of manufacturing industries in Trinidad and Tobago. The TTMA also acts as a representative for industries in dealing with Government and in the monitoring of legislation affecting manufacturers. The TTMA is also responsible for the generation of market expansion both regionally and internationally through the mounting of local, regional and international trade fairs, exhibitions and foreign trade missions.