TTMA Supports Plan to double Non-energy Exports, Urges ease-of-doing-business Reforms

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Summary

TTMA backs the government’s goal to double non-energy manufacturing exports but says success depends on improving the ease of doing business;
The Association is calling for accelerated customs digitisation, electronic payments, stronger trade facilitation and long-discussed regulatory reforms;
TTMA says manufacturing remains a major contributor to the economy and pledges to work with government and stakeholders to boost exports and competitiveness.

By Alicia Chamely

The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) has welcomed the government’s objective to double exports from the local non-energy manufacturing sector but says achieving it will require concrete steps to improve the ease of doing business.

In a press release on Monday, the TTMA said it supports the government’s export target, describing it as aligned with the Association’s strategic focus.

TTMA President Dale Parson said the group is ready to work with the government over the next five years and beyond to grow non-energy exports but warned that progress will stall without faster reforms.

“This progress, however, must be supported by the Government meeting its commitments to improving the ease of doing business—particularly through accelerated customs digitisation and electronic payments, improved trade facilitation efficiencies, and the implementation of long-discussed administrative and regulatory reforms: Food & Drug, Customs, TTBS, etc,” Parson said.

The TTMA also highlighted manufacturing’s role in the economy, saying the sector contributes 18% to national GDP and “repatriated 40% of all EXIMBANK’s support,” with exports growing 18% year-on-year. The Association said it has seen tangible gains in export growth, supply-chain resilience and innovation-driven growth in the second half of 2025.

“Our manufacturers have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and the ability to compete globally,” Parson said. “We must ensure that the momentum behind non-energy manufacturing is not pushed into the background but rather continues to be supported as part of a balanced and sustainable growth strategy for Trinidad and Tobago.”

The TTMA reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the government and relevant stakeholders to advance export capability, industrial competitiveness and long-term economic growth.