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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] ISSUE 4 FEBRUARY 2013 MONTHLY PUBLICATION HIGHLIGHT ON MARKET ANALYSIS & RE- SEARCH: Developing a solid understanding of in- ternational trade... INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 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&Tthe 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.

Jamaica trade desk news issue 4 february 2013

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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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Page 1: Jamaica trade desk news issue 4 february 2013

“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.

Page 2: Jamaica trade desk news issue 4 february 2013

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

Page 3: Jamaica trade desk news issue 4 february 2013

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

Page 4: Jamaica trade desk news issue 4 february 2013

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-

[email protected]

Page 5: Jamaica trade desk news issue 4 february 2013

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]

Page 6: Jamaica trade desk news issue 4 february 2013

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/