The American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (Amcham T&T) has welcomed new leadership, with CEO of Amaranth Business Solutions Ltd, Anna Henderson taking the helm as President.
She was officially installed during the Chamber’s 32nd Annual General Meeting and Business Forum on Friday.
As she officially assumed the role of President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago, Anna Henderson outlined the Chamber’s priorities for a more competitive and investor-friendly Trinidad and Tobago.
One of her major proposals is a push for the Piarco International Airport to become a U.S. pre-clearance port to boost tourism and trade.
“Additionally, we believe that should the Government begin engaging the U.S. Government to share more information on security matters and start the process to make the Piarco International Airport a pre-clearance port – if this is achieved – we can boost our tourism and transportation sectors with massive concurrent boost to the wider economy.”
She also stressed the importance of attracting more foreign direct investment by removing red tape and modernizing systems.
“For example: Changing the immigration form from just a manual form to an immigration form to an immigration digital process – would ease entry at the airport and improve immigration while welcoming all travellers.”
Turning to the Customs and Excise Division, Ms Henderson said real reform is long overdue, noting that meaningful collaboration is essential to unlock trade potential.
“Streamlining customs procedures, providing predictability, modernizing operations, providing real time data, and increasing transparency are critical steps to reduce delays, lower costs, and strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s global competitiveness.”
But while Ms. Henderson acknowledged the importance of trade facilitation, she made it clear that no economic plan can succeed without addressing crime.
“We support intelligence-led policing, increased law enforcement resources, and a strengthened justice system. Our goal is to foster a safer environment that encourages investment, protects citizens, and upholds the rule of law, because we believe that national security and economic development must go hand in hand.”
She also urged the private and public sectors to collaborate on transformative change.
CEO of The TSL Group Stuart Franco, previously served as the Chamber’s President. He was thanked by AMCHAM CEO, Nirad Tiwari for his work during his tenure.