Earlier today, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), launched the Enhanced TTBizLink Application Software to usher in a new era of efficiency and transparency for businesses navigating the intricate web of trade and business processes. Under the Strengthening of the Single Electronic Window for Trade and Business Facilitation Programme, TTBizlink continues to revolutionize the landscape of trade and business facilitation for citizens, businesses, and investors.
Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry in her feature address stated that the enhancement of the platform marks another significant milestone for the Ministry of Trade and Industry which is testimony to the government’s commitment to digital transformation and enhanced service delivery. Minister Gopee-Scoon noted that “the TTBizLink platform which was launched in October 2009, provides a centralized online hub for obtaining trade and business related regulatory approvals in Trinidad and Tobago. It eliminates the hassle of navigating multiple processes across several government departments and agencies; promotes transparency and accountability; and ensures better service delivery.” The Minister added that the platform currently provides services to 23 government agencies across 8 separate Ministries and, to date, has registered 4,623 companies, 36,914 individuals and 399 approvers on the system.
In announcing the TTBizLink platform’s enhanced features Minister Gopee-Scoon stated that the key features now include, “a modernized, mobile responsive and user friendly interface; inherent security features and a self-audit facility, which improves transparency; available data in real time, which aids in decision-making; digital approvals which allow applicants to download signed and stamped approval documents; document verification via QR Code which allows anyone with a mobile phone to verify the authenticity of approval documents issued on TTBizLink; increased processing efficiency and knowledge sharing among multiple agencies; improved interoperability with other government systems such as the Customs and Excise Division ASYCUDA system and the Immigration Division’s Border Management System; a pre-payment feature where users can draw down on payments when submitting applications; and most importantly the ability of users to make payments online for permits and licences.” She underscored that any services on TTBizLinK which currently attract fees can now be paid electronically; noting that many other services are currently free to the public.
With these enhancements, Minister Gopee-Scoon affirmed that TTBizLink demonstrates that even small developing economies are capable of being leaders in the implementation of transformative public sector projects that are as inclusive as they are transformative. She said “By leveraging technology, the government has made services accessible to a wider range of users. Everyone, regardless of business size or location, can now access these government services with ease and convenience.”
The upgraded platform further improves the real-time communication, ensuring seamless exchange of information, notifications, and updates. This improved transparency and responsiveness not only bolsters efficiency but also strengthens the symbiotic relationship between businesses and the Government.
The Trade Minister acknowledged the participation and contributions of both the public and private sector stakeholders in sharing their knowledge and expertise to ensure the enhancement of the platform. She said, “bringing this project to fruition has been a collaborative effort. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has left no stone unturned in our pursuit to improving this robust platform that revolutionizes the way services are accessed and delivered. We have worked closely with the consultant CrimsonLogic (Panama) Inc. and CrimsonLogic (Trinidad and Tobago), engaged stakeholders both private and public, and harnessed the power of cutting-edge technology to provide a comprehensive and user-friendly solution.”
Also delivering remarks and endorsing the enhanced TTBizLink application software were Ayleen Alleyne-Ovid, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Jaime Granados, Division Chief, Trade and Investment at IDB, Roger Roach, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association, and Kiran Maharaj, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
