The Confederation Of Regional Chambers

19/10/2026

Prohibition on the Exportation of Brass Metal

The Ministry of Trade and Industry wishes to inform the public of the Prohibition (Carriage Coastwise, Importation and Exportation) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order, 2026 which came into effect on 15 October, 2026, pursuant to Legal Notice No. 830 of 2026.

The Order amends the Third Schedule to the Customs Act, Chap. 78:01, by introducing specific restrictions on the exportation of brass. Accordingly, the exportation of brass is prohibited, except by manufacturers licensed by the Minister with responsibility for trade to export brass as a by-product of manufacturing goods or as surplus material not required for manufacturing those goods.

Manufacturers seeking a licence to export brass must satisfy the requirements outlined in the Order, including:
• Declaration of source and quantities
• Supporting documentation
• Verification by the Trade Licence Unit and the Customs and Excise Division

The Ministry urges all manufacturers, exporters and other stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the requirements of the Order and to ensure that any proposed exportation of brass complies with the applicable legal provisions.

For inquiries, contact the Trade Licence Unit (TLU) of the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism at (868) 701-1440, (868) 701-1443, or (868) 701-1415 or via email at [email protected].

18/10/2026

Kindly register for "Breast Cancer Awareness" webinar taking place on Thursday 22nd October. 2026 at 7 pm, by completing this form. A Zoom Link will be sent to you 2 days before the event. Feel free to share this link with others. Thanks and we look forward to meeting with you on Thursday 22nd Octob...

18/10/2026

🇹🇹 CRBC MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | STRENGTHENING MARINE AND YACHTING TOURISM

The Confederation of Regional Business Chambers (CRBC) is pleased to highlight the continued efforts of the Marine Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MSATT), an esteemed member of the CRBC, in promoting the value and potential of Trinidad and Tobago’s marine and yachting services sector.

On Friday, October 16, 2026, MSATT President Jesse James hosted a delejgation from the United States Embassy for a site visit to Chaguaramas, followed by a meeting to discuss the sector’s opportunities, challenges and potential solutions.

The delegation included Mr. Scott Hansen, Political and Economic Officer, and Mr. Jeffrey Cernyar, Economic Officer.

The visit provided an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the diverse range of specialised skills, services and business operations within Chaguaramas. The delegation engaged directly with contractors and service providers, gaining a deeper appreciation of the unique capabilities of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), alongside larger businesses operating within this dynamic marine services cluster.

These businesses play an important role in supporting the international cruising community that visits Trinidad and Tobago, while creating opportunities for tourism, employment, entrepreneurship and foreign exchange earnings.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of addressing the sector’s challenges and identifying practical solutions to strengthen its competitiveness and support sustainable growth.

CRBC welcomes this type of engagement, which encourages dialogue, builds partnerships and brings greater visibility to the capabilities of local businesses.

We commend Jesse James and the dedicated MSATT team for their continued work in advancing the marine and yachting sector. We look forward to seeing further discussions translate into meaningful opportunities for business development and national economic growth.

Be Patriotic. Be Responsible. Build Together.

15/10/2026

🎉🎂 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HONOURABLE SATYAKAMA MAHARAJ! 🎂🎉

The Confederation of Regional Business Chambers (CRBC) extends warm birthday greetings to the Honourable Satyakama Maharaj, Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism.

On this special occasion, we wish you good health, happiness, strength and continued success as you serve the people and contribute to the development of Trinidad and Tobago.

May the year ahead bring renewed opportunities, meaningful partnerships and continued progress in advancing trade, attracting investment, strengthening our tourism sector and creating greater opportunities for our Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

As a Confederation representing regional business chambers across Trinidad and Tobago, CRBC looks forward to continued collaboration in building a stronger, more competitive and prosperous economy for all.

Happy Birthday, Honourable Minister! May your year ahead be filled with purpose, achievement and continued success.

Warm regards,
The Confederation of Regional Business Chambers (CRBC)
Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism

🇹🇹

10/10/2026

CRBC at the launch of Phase Two of PSOTT’s National Investment Framework

The launch highlighted the importance of moving beyond discussions to implementing practical solutions that can improve the business environment and unlock investment opportunities across Trinidad and Tobago.

Trade, Investment and Tourism Minister Satyakama Maharaj underscored the need to address persistent challenges, particularly Customs procedures and access to foreign exchange, while ensuring that SMEs and manufacturers receive the support needed to grow and compete.

The proposed SailClear system for yacht arrivals also demonstrates how streamlining processes can improve efficiency and strengthen opportunities within the marine and tourism sectors.

For the CRBC, meaningful collaboration between Government and the private sector remains essential to translating ideas into action, supporting our MSMEs, encouraging investment and building a more resilient and diversified economy.

Working together to turn potential into productivity.

10/10/2026

🌍🇹🇹 CELEBRATING TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO'S PHARMACY PROFESSIONALS ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE!

The Confederation of Regional Business Chambers (CRBC) proudly congratulates our members Glenwayne Suchit, President, and Leah Ramnarine, Secretary, of the Private Pharmacy Retail Business Association (PPRBA) on their participation in the 2nd Global Pharmacist Conclave 2026, held in Hyderabad, India, from September 24–27.

Selected to represent Trinidad and Tobago at this international gathering of pharmacists, regulatory officials, healthcare professionals and industry representatives from over 35 countries, they demonstrated the knowledge, commitment and professionalism of our nation's pharmacy sector.

Their participation, including presentations on key topics within the profession, highlights the importance of international collaboration, continuous professional development and the exchange of knowledge in advancing pharmaceutical practice.

The CRBC also welcomes their efforts to develop international partnerships and explore opportunities for the manufacture and importation of quality, affordable pharmaceutical products under local brands. Such initiatives have the potential to support retail pharmacies, strengthen the business environment and improve access to affordable healthcare products for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

👏 We celebrate Glenwayne and Leah for representing our country with distinction and contributing to the continued advancement of their profession.

Their achievement reflects the value of local professionals building international relationships, embracing innovation and creating opportunities that can benefit both businesses and the wider community.

Congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment!

🇹🇹 Building partnerships. Advancing professions. Creating opportunities for Trinidad and Tobago.

09/10/2026

CRBC welcomes the focus on improving the business environment and creating greater opportunities for investment in Trinidad and Tobago.

At the launch of Phase Two of PSOTT’s National Investment Framework, Trade, Investment and Tourism Minister Satyakama Maharaj highlighted two major concerns raised by the private sector: Customs efficiency and access to foreign exchange, while emphasising the need for commercial banks to prioritise SMEs and manufacturers.

The planned introduction of the SailClear system, expected to reduce yacht processing times from approximately four hours to under 15 minutes, is an example of how improved systems can facilitate business and support tourism.

As Phase Two moves from consultation to investment opportunities, collaboration between Government and the private sector will be critical to turning recommendations into practical solutions, strengthening MSMEs, attracting investment and creating sustainable economic growth.

Less red tape. Greater access. More investment. Better opportunities for all.

Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism Satyakama Maharaj has identified foreign exchange shortages and Customs-related delays as two of the main concerns facing the local private sector. Speaking at the launch of Phase Two of the Private Sector Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago’s (PSOTT) Nati...

05/10/2026

05/10/2026

Confederation of Regional Business Chambers Chairman, Vivek Charran weighs in on the call for a review of Trinidad and Tobago’s exchange rate.

Charran maintains that changing the exchange rate alone will not resolve the country’s foreign exchange challenges. The focus must also be on increasing forex supply, improving access and distribution, and creating an environment that supports businesses, particularly SMEs.

Read the full discussion in the Trinidad Guardian. 🇹🇹

With the Gov­ern­ment prepar­ing to de­liv­er its na­tion­al bud­get next week Mon­day, amid per­sis­tent for­eign ex­change short­ages, econ­o­mists and a busi­ness leader are urg­ing pol­i­cy­mak­ers to con­front one of the coun­try’s most dif­fi­cult eco­nom­ic ques....