Author: exporTT Admin

Building capacity will increase the productivity and competitiveness of our manufacturers. This will include the provision of equipment, up skilling of employees, innovation and digitization to improve operations. It will assist in overcoming supply side constraints and ensure compliance with international standards. Approximately TT $32 million will be allocated to the following six initiatives under this strategic area during fiscal 2020/2021.

As such, the Government has allocated TT$20 million to implement a certification programme that will assist exporters in achieving international certification in food/beverage and other product compliance to meet the quality and safety standards of international markets and franchises. This programme will be administered by exporTT and is expected to provide grant funding to assist firms to:

1. build capacity in the conduct of standards audits, inspections and/or implementation;
2. in the acquisition and operation of specialized equipment required for the adoption of standards; and
3. in infrastructural modifications to comply with standards implementation; and
4. in reducing the cost of certification.

A total of $2.9 million has been allocated for the transformation and modernization of exporTT into a leading export promotion agency. ExporTT performs an important role in providing key information, training, advice and guidance to businesses. The selected areas for modernization were informed by the recommendations of the International Trade Centre’s (ITC) 2013 and 2019 Benchmark Reports on the performance of exporTT. Resources will be also allocated to a Change Manager to support and guide exportTT through the implementation of the institution’s strengthening activities. The expectation is an increase in the quality of service provided to exporters by exporTT.

Further, in order to accelerate sector- wide recommendations and export plans for the expansion and growth of all manufacturing businesses (large, medium and small), $1.5 million will be allocated to strengthening the capacity of the TTMA by securing the services of a suitably qualified consultant with a focus on external trade. The Consultant will operate from the office of the TTMA for a period of 12 months and will be primarily tasked with the development, commencement and operationalization of a framework for delivering on the TTMA’s target to double exports with clear targets.