The American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM T&T) has deemed the 2025/26 budget as “a step toward restoring confidence, investment and growth.”
In a statement, AMCHAM noted the Government’s commitment to strengthening the Customs and Excise Division and the adoption of their proposal to increase staffing and integrate advanced technologies such as the upgraded ASYCUDA system.
“These measures, alongside risk-based auditing, improved digital payments, and standardised procedures, are expected to enhance efficiency, reduce clearance times, and improve the ease of doing business. To ensure lasting impact, it will be important that these efforts are supported by consistent inter-agency coordination and predictable turnaround times across the regulatory landscape. We repeat our call that these changes should be underpinned by the establishment of an Internal Affairs & Professional Standards Bureau within the Customs & Excise Division so that the few bad actors can be weeded out.”
AMCHAM also welcomed the proposed review of the Value Added Tax (VAT) and the exploration of a simpler tax model.
It highlighted the continued drive toward digitalisation, including the introduction of electronic payments across Customs and public agencies and the establishment of a National Digital Electronic Payment System.
“These initiatives align closely with AMCHAM T&T’s ongoing advocacy for a fully digital public service. The long-term success of this transformation will depend on ensuring system interoperability, strengthening cybersecurity, building institutional capacity to sustain digital progress, culture change, and upskilling of the human resource.
AMCHAM T&T also noted the emphasis on improving job quality within the social sector, coupled with initiatives to strengthen teaching capacity to enhance the teaching-learning process through the introduction of technology-driven methods and the expansion of technical programmes in tertiary education, are all promising steps forward.
“We are optimistic that these measures will enable individuals in need of employment support to advance socioeconomically, thereby contributing to the country’s continued transition towards a knowledge-based economy. Furthermore, we welcome the conclusion of outstanding wage negotiations and initiatives aimed at providing greater job security, recognizing that linking employment more directly to defined outcomes and productivity will foster a more sustainable and motivated workforce.”