The Government says private sector investment remains critical to economic reform and diversification.
Speaking at the launch of the new Audi Q3 on Wednesday evening, Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Satyakama Maharaj, said businesses that continue to reinvest locally are helping to modernise the economy, even as the government works to remove longstanding barriers.
He pointed to companies like Southern Sales as examples of how sustained investment in training, infrastructure and service standards benefits workers, consumers and the wider economy.
“When a company such as Southern Sales continues to invest in training staff, service infrastructure, customer care, and international brands, the benefit is not limited to one company or one showroom. It strengthens the wider business ecosystem and raises the standard of service available to citizens. As Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism, I welcome that.”
He said the government remains committed to improving the ease of doing business through faster approvals, more predictable processes and modern trade facilitation.
“Government’s responsibility is to support that ambition by improving the ease of doing business, strengthening investor confidence, and ensuring that our commercial environment is responsive, efficient, and competitive.”
Referencing the Audi Q3 launch, he said every expansion, service upgrade or workforce investment contributes directly to national competitiveness.
“This is why partnership between government and the private sector is so essential to transforming the economy. Every time a local business expands its offerings, strengthens its workforce, or raises the standard of service in the market, it contributes to the national effort to modernise and diversify.”
But he pointed out that government policy and private-sector investment must move together if Trinidad and Tobago is to modernise and remain competitive.
“That means accelerating the reforms that matter most to businesses: faster approvals, more predictable processes, modern trade facilitation, and a regulatory environment that supports innovation rather than slows it down.”
The Minister said government reforms will continue in tandem with private-sector growth as Trinidad and Tobago works to position itself as an attractive and reliable place to do business.