Local businesses are being urged to elevate their standards and position themselves to compete on the international stage.
That’s the call from Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Satyakama Maharaj, as he addressed business leaders at the launch of the T&T Chamber’s Champions of Business Awards 2026.
He challenged the local business community to strengthen and modernise their operations in order to compete internationally and build global recognition.
“It requires a competent, resilient and globally focused private sector supported by responsive institutions and practical policies. As we celebrate the spirit of excellence, we must commit to using it as a benchmark, challenging more local companies to modernise, scale, export and become internationally known while remaining proudly Trinidad and Tobago-owned.”
President of the Chamber, Karen Yip Chuck, said the annual awards programme is designed to encourage continuous improvement among businesses.
“We remain committed to recognising the significant role and contributions of outstanding businesses to our national development and economic growth, encouraging local enterprises to continuously evolve, innovate and elevate their standards of excellence.”
Meanwhile, CEO of the T&T Chamber, Vashti Guyadeen, revealed that this year’s programme is expanding regionally.
“I am pleased to share that the programme has gone regional with the inclusion of a new category, the Caribbean Services Exporter of the Year, proudly supported by the Caribbean Export Development Agency.”
The 2026 Champions of Business Awards will be held under the theme, “In the Spirit of Excellence”.