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The Jamaica Trade Desk News is a monthly newsletter created under the initiative of the Jamaica-T&T Trade Facilitation Desk. The main objectives are to raise awareness, provide information (mainly on Trinidad & Tobago’s business environment (especially the regulatory environment), develop rapport and strengthen relationships with the various Jamaican businesses and stakeholders. It is also a perfect way to communicate timely and valuable information / updates to Jamaican stakeholders, as well as to T&T Manufacturer's Association Members and business network organizations. Contact: Mrs. Naika Pichi-Ayers- Trade Desk Officer, Jamaica-T&T Trade Facilitation Desk (TTMA) Tel: (868)-675-8862 Ext. 239 / Email: [email protected]
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“Jamaica Trade Desk News”
Theme: The ease of doing business...
Contact us at (868) 675-8862 Ext. 239 Email: [email protected]
I S S U E 4 – F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 3 M O N T H L Y P U B L I C A T I O N
HIGHLIGHT ON
MARKET
ANALYSIS & R E-
S EARCH :
Developing a solid
understanding of in-
ternational trade...
I N S I D E T H I S
I S S U E :
Ease of doing business
T&T working towards
global business facili-
tation…
2
T&TBizLink: Business
made easy for you!
3
Politics, institutions &
Security in Jamaica
and T&T– the major
obstacles to competi-
tiveness!
4
Public tender offer in
T&T!
5
Regional Event
Caribbean Export
Week…
6
Useful links 6
Use the JA-T&T
Trade Desk now! 6
Developing a solid understanding of international trade!
The Jamaica-T&T Trade
Facilitation Desk recog-
nized that a key chal-
lenge for exporters/
importers is the insuffi-
ciency of accurate and
reliable trade information
on the various markets.
In fact, there is no doubt
that nowadays, to survive
and succeed in the business world‟s game, exporters
need to stay on top of competitive conditions in their
current marketplace, look for opportunities in new
markets and encourage diversification to their exist-
ing products range.
On another hand, importers are also trying to opti-
mize the potential offered by preferential trade agree-
ment, and improve the efficiency of their sourcing by
searching consistently for new and competitive sup-
plier countries.
It is then important for us to ask the following ques-
tions: What are the issues that are affecting busi-
nesses in the Caribbean? Secondly, where to get
proper related market data and information
sources?
One straight answer to these interrogations will be to
take advantage of the range of market analysis tools
for developing countries, created by the International
Trade Centre (ITC)*:
Trade Map;
Market Access Map;
Investment Map;
Standards Map;
To assist users examine the export and import statis-
tic of over 220 countries and territories, and better
understand supply and demand trends for around
5,300 internationally traded products.
The tools are unique in product detail, as well as in
breadth of geographic coverage- particularly for de-
veloped countries. More than 280,000 users in 224
countries and territories have registered to use the
tools.
They include enterprises, governments, educa-
tional institutions and most of the World‟s top 100
countries.
Developing countries are using these tools to help
grow their exports by identifying opportunities
for product and market diversification., as well
as understand the market dynamism and struc-
ture A wide range of navigation options, com-
bined with a powerful set of analytical outputs
(tables, maps, charts) make it easy to analyze trade
-related information for set of products, sectors or
countries.
It is what we could consider the best free source
of market statistics with global coverage on the
web.
Check out these smart tools:
Trade Map: www.trademap.org
Market Access Map: www.macmap.org
Investment Map: www.investmentmap.org
Mrs. Naika Pichi-Ayers, Trade Desk Officer of the
JA-T&T Trade Facilitation Desk, is strongly en-
couraging all exporters to use the ITC‟s tools to
see how fast the alternative markets have grown,
which competing countries also supply those mar-
kets, who is gaining or losing market share, and
what are the customs tariffs face by some countries
relative to competitors.
For more information about any of ITC‟s activi-
ties, kindly contact: [email protected]
or visit www.intracen.org/marketanalysis
*ITC: is a joint agency of the World Trade Organization
(WTO) and the United Nations, acting as the development
partner for small business export success, helping develop-
ing countries by providing, with partners, sustainable and
inclusive trade development solutions to the private sector,
trade support institutions and policy makers.
Trinidad & Tobago:
Working towards global business facilitation...
which allows customs brokers and clerks to be more
involved in the clearing of shipments thereby lessening
the turnaround time for cargo.
An enabling environment has also been created for
foreign businesses especially those in the non-energy
sectors. The Foreign Investment Act (1990) allows
for foreign ownership and there are generally no re-
strictions regarding investment. In addition, incentives
are available to investors including grant funding and
tax credits. Further benefits accrue to businesses in the
form of highly competitive operating costs due to the
low cost of energy and the twin-island‟s strategic geo-
graphic location.
While all of the above bodes well for businesses al-
ready in or seeking to invest in Trinidad and Tobago,
the economy still has to overcome a number of chal-
lenges. Critical among these is an overdependence on
revenues from oil and natural gas. In so doing, diversi-
fication efforts have been stunted and we are highly
exposed to exogenous shocks in international prices.
There is also a need for reforms in other areas that im-
pact business including legislative amendments and
streamlining of regulatory agencies and processes.
Nonetheless, our country has shown that it is taking
steps in the right direction towards creation of a dy-
namic and enabling environment which facilitates
global business.
The JA-T&T Trade Facilitation Desk would like to
thank Ms. Rianna Paul– Trade & Research Econo-
mist of the Trinidad & Tobago Chamber of Industry
& Commerce for her contribution to this issue. Jamai-
can exporters are welcomed to contact Ms. Paul at:
(868) 637-6966 Ext. 287 /Email: [email protected]
P A G E 2
Discussions on globalisation and the concomitant ef-
fects are a beaten path. However, it is the impetus for
many of the changes that are taking place in Trinidad
and Tobago‟s business environment today. As the oil
and gas industry in Trinidad and the tourism industry
in Tobago approach maturity, the country‟s leadership
is earnestly trying to move towards becoming a
knowledge-based economy. With a view to facilitat-
ing diversification of the economy and the develop-
ment of globally competitive businesses, it is now
easier than ever to conduct business in Trinidad and
Tobago.
The Ease of Doing Business Report 2013 ranks Trini-
dad and Tobago 69th out of 185 economies. Although
limited in scope, it does give some insight into the
business environment. The higher the ranking the
more conducive the business environment however it
is more useful to consider this when compared with
other countries in the Latin American and Caribbean
Region. Trinidad and Tobago was outranked by re-
gional counterparts in seven of the ten topics with the
exceptions being investor protection, credit availabil-
ity and the provision of electricity. Notwithstanding
the fact that we have one of the highest per capita in-
comes within the region, there is significant room for
improvement. In this regard, a number of initiatives
are being implemented to create a business friendly
environment.
Recognising that Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) is now an integral part of doing
business, the Government of the Republic of Trinidad
and Tobago (GORTT) launched TTBizLink. This is
an IT-platform designed to facilitate business and
trade. Companies or individuals who wish to import or
export goods, register a business or conduct other
business related activities can submit their documents
via this online portal. Steps have also been taken to
modernise the operations of the Customs and Excise
Department through the use of ASYCUDA World
P A G E 3
TTBizLink: Business made easy in simple steps!
What are the main services provided by TTBizLink?
Import/Export Permits & Licences
This service allows importers/exporters to apply electronically for trade permits and licences from the Ministry of
Trade, Industry and Investment (MTII) - Trade Licence Unit (TLU); Ministry of Food Production (MFP) - Animal
Production and Health Division, and Plant Quarantine Services.
Read more: https://www.test.ttbizlink.gov.tt/trade/tnt/cmn/pdf/MODULE%20permits%20and%20licences.pdf
Import Duty Concession
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment (MTII), through this service, allow companies seeking IDCs to
complete the necessary application forms and upload supporting documents online. All applications are then proc-
essed electronically by the MTII with dynamic feedback provided to the applicant as required.
Read more: https://www.test.ttbizlink.gov.tt/trade/tnt/cmn/pdf/MODULE%20import%20duty.pdf
Company Registration
The Company Registration service will enable online submission and tracking of Business Registration and Com-
pany Incorporation applications/documents to the Registrar General's Department of the Ministry of Legal Affairs
(MLA) for processing. This service will also enable an online Name Search and application for Name Reservation-
Read more: https://www.test.ttbizlink.gov.tt/trade/tnt/cmn/pdf/MODULE%20company%20registration.pdf
Certificate of Origin
The Certificate of Origin (CO) service allows exporters to apply for COs issued by the Business Development Com-
pany Ltd. (BDC) or the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TTCIC) through an online appli-
cation and processing.
Read more: https://www.test.ttbizlink.gov.tt/trade/tnt/cmn/pdf/MODULE%20certificate%20of%20origin.pdf
Fiscal Incentives
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment (MTII), through this service, allow companies seeking FIs to sub-
mit the necessary application forms and upload supporting documents online. All applications are then processed
electronically by the MTII with dynamic feedback provided to the applicant as required.
Read more: https://www.test.ttbizlink.gov.tt/trade/tnt/cmn/pdf/MODULE%20fiscal%20incentives.pdf
Work Permit Application
This service enables companies/businesses and individuals to electronically submit Work Permit applications to the
Ministry of National Security (MNS) - Work Permit Secretariat (WPS). All applications are then processed elec-
tronically by the MNS with dynamic feedback provided to the applicant as required.
Read more: https://www.test.ttbizlink.gov.tt/trade/tnt/cmn/pdf/MODULE%20work%20permit.pdf
Customs e-Manifest
This service enables the master of every aircraft or ship or his agent and every cargo reporter to prepare and submit
cargo manifest data to the Customs and Excise Division's Border Control System. Approved Manifest will then be
sent to the Ports through a secure system to system link via TTBizLink.
Read more: https://www.test.ttbizlink.gov.tt/trade/tnt/cmn/pdf/MODULE%20cargo%20manifest.pdf
Customs e-Goods Declaration
The Goods Declaration service enables the Importer/Exporter or authorized agent of imported and exported goods
to submit cargo declaration data and supporting documents directly to the Customs and Excise Division's Border
Control System. The relevant declaration data will then be shared with the various approving/regulatory agencies
though a secure system to system link via TTBizLink.
Read more: https://www.test.ttbizlink.gov.tt/trade/tnt/cmn/pdf/MODULE%20goods%20declaration.pdf
P A G E 4
Politics, institutions & security in Jamaica and T&T–
The major obstacles to competitiveness...
1962 marked the end of
colonialism in Jamaica
and Trinidad and To-
bago (T&T), and the
birth of these independ-
ent nation states. Fifty
years later, these his-
torically regarded
„powerhouses‟ of the
English speaking Carib-
bean have achieved
successes in various sectors, but have also faced severe
challenges and imposed unnecessary burdens on them-
selves. Political, institutional and security issues have
negatively affected our competitiveness.
According to latest Global Competitiveness Index report,
Jamaica and T&T are ranked 84th and 97th respectively,
out of 144 countries. Three of the top five most prob-
lematic factors for doing business in T&T and Ja-
maica include: Inefficient government bureaucracy,
Crime and Corruption. According to the Indices, crime
and theft (17.7%) is the number one contributor to the
difficulty of doing business in Jamaica, while corruption
(11.4%) and inefficient government bureaucracy (9.8%)
are ranked 3rd and 5th respectively. T&T, inefficient gov-
ernment bureaucracy (17.7%) is the number one contribu-
tor to the difficulty of doing business in the country,
while crime and theft (16.9%) and corruption (12.7%) are
ranked 2nd and 4th respectively.
The statistics are telling that, an urgent restructuring of
the legislative, security and political systems, among oth-
ers, is necessary in each country to ease the way of con-
ducting business activity and therefore enhance com-
petiveness. What is being done to improve these three
main factors affecting our competitiveness?
Firstly, with regard to the issue of inefficient government
bureaucracy, Jamaica has been exemplary in its digiti-
zation of port and customs procedures within the last
decade. In T&T, the advent of ASYCUDA World
(Customs and Excise) and NAVIS SPARCS N4
(modernization of the ports), have already aided in reduc-
ing the time taken to clear containers. Additionally, the
implementation of TTBizLink (Single Electronic Win-
dow) IT platform is expected to give new rise to a new
digital age within the T&T business world.
Secondly, significant efforts have been made by both
the Jamaican and T&T governments to restructure
their national security system to address the issues of
crime and theft. Crime and theft have long plagued the
region, with homicide rates in Jamaica and T&T increas-
ing astronomically over the past ten years. The Prime
Minister of T&T, has listed a number of initiatives to
address the issue of crime in the region as a whole. The
initiatives which were agreed upon at a Heads of
CARICOM meeting in Haiti in February 2013 com-
prised of efforts to: adopt new steps to address gun
and gang violence that crosses international bor-
ders; improve the system which treats with Carib-
bean deportees in the US; enhance T&T’s justice
system; and commit towards information sharing.
Simultaneously, Jamaica‟s National Security Minister,
Peter Bunting plans to implement certain measures
over the next five years which include: the recruitment
of an additional 5000 soldiers and police officers to
boost the crime fighting capacity of Jamaica Defense
Force and Jamaica Constabulary Force, as well as 500
additional vehicles to improve their mobility.
With respect to corruption, T&T and Jamaica have
declared their intentions to reduce its incidence. T&T
has established the Government‟s Medium-Term Pol-
icy Framework 2012-2013, which identifies “good gov-
ernance” as one of the seven development pillars to
ensure transparency and accountability. Addition-
ally, PM Persad-Bissessar has plans to establish an Anti
-Corruption Commission to deal with white-collar
crime. Jamaica on the other hand continues to build
awareness and fight corruption through advocacy,
training and public education. The National Integrity
Action (NIA), which has been proposing the establish-
ment of a single anti-corruption agency with prosecu-
tional powers, recently played host to Mr. Joseph
Kamara, the Anti-Corruption Commission of Sierra
Leone, West Africa. This hosting was held to expose
Jamaicans to Sierra Leone‟s experience with effec-
tively addressing corruption. The NIA has intentions of
using Sierra Leone‟s experience as best practice, to
transform Jamaica‟s anti-corruption institution and
make it more effective.
Are we therefore moving in the right direction? Only
time will tell.
Suffice it to say that until the statistics bear positive
testimony to the effectiveness of all crime and corrup-
tion mitigating plans that have been implemented, our
countries‟ rankings on the Global Competitiveness In-
dices will continue to reveal the crippling effect that
our failure to act decisively is having on our economic
development. The time to act is now!
Contribution from Mr. Marc Sandy & Ms. Arianne
Phillips– TTMA Research Officers. If you wish to get
more information on this matter, kindly contact Mr.
Sandy at: (868) 675-8862 Ext. 241 /Email: re-
P A G E 5
Public tender offer in T&T... Seize new opportunities now!
The Investor Sourcing & Facilitation Division
The Atrium, Don Miguel Road Extension
El Socorro, Trinidad W.I.
Tel. +1 (868) 638-0038
Fax: +1 (868) 675-9125
Web: www.investt.co.tt
Email: [email protected]
P A G E 6
Caribbean Export week: Promoting regional trade!
Caribbean Export Development
Agency, as part of its mandate to
promote export, led growth for the
Caribbean region and to facilitate
increased exports to regional and
international markets, is pleased to
launch for the first time a
“Caribbean Export Week” from
March 17-22, 2013 in Barbados.
The week of activities aimed at raising the level of aware-
ness about Caribbean Export in particular on the work being
under-taken as part of the 10th EDF Regional Private Sector
Development Programme, commences with an Ecumenical
Service on March 17 and a two day Caribbean Exporters‟
Colloquium, where industry leaders will discuss key issues
relating to exporting from the Caribbean to the international
market.
Other key activities during the week include a special
breakfast meeting for the Private Sector Advisory
Group, a private screening of the “Built to Last”
documentary and Caribbean Export‟s official office
opening and cocktail reception.
For more information on this event, kindly contact the
Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) at:
(246) 436-0578 or via email: [email protected].
Check out their website: www.carib-export.com
Ministry of Food Production: http://www.agriculture.gov.tt
Ministry of Tourism: https://www.tourism.gov.tt
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.foreign.gov.tt Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago: http://www.central-bank.org.tt
Central Statistical Office (CSO): http://www.cso.gov.tt
The American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad & Tobago: http://www.amchamtt.com
Trinidad & Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI): http://www.ttcsi.org
The University of West Indies of Trinidad & Tobago (UWI): http://www.sta.uwi.edu
The University of Trinidad & Tobago (UTT): http://www.u.tt
Useful links....
JA-T&T Trade Facilitation Desk is here to serve you best!
Our services:
Informing Jamaican businesses (among others) about import regulations & entry requirements into T&T, as well
as representing their interests;
Facilitating networking and business match-making with T&T companies to improve trade;
Addressing major areas of concern/issues to the relevant trade institutions & regulatory agencies in T&T and
Jamaica (intermediating with such arms as customs, the standards authorities, and helping with negotiating the
bureaucracy) and offering support solutions;
Assisting in organization of trade missions to T&T (planning, ground support and follow up);
Undertaking consultations with prospective exporters, business support organizations, and representatives of the
public sector institutions that play key roles in the export process in T&T and Jamaica.
Mrs. Naika Pichi-Ayers, Trade Desk Officer
Jamaica-Trinidad & Tobago Trade Facilitation Desk
Tel: (868) 675-8862 Ext. 239
Email: [email protected]/
Webpage: http://www.ttma.com/jamaicatt_trade_desk/