Kappa Gamma Consulting

12/03/2026

I had the opportunity to tour CARIRI's Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development (CED) in 2025. As an international trade professional that is interested in the development of MSMEs, I was happy to see that there are facilities available in the country for food and beverage companies outfitted with equipment for food processing and quality control. Altogether, these facilities resemble a small manufacturing plant, which is ideal for the operations of micro and small enterprises (MSMEs). Moreover, the facility caters towards, inter alia, the manufacture of sauces, condiments and beverages, which tend to be the goods manufactured by these MSMEs.

The food and beverage sector remains, for various reasons, the most popular choice for entrepreneurs in Trinidad and Tobago who are searching for business opportunities. Therefore, support for the development of the sector is required as part of the efforts to diversify the economy. Such support has existed, in some form or fashion, for many years, and continues to be offered to local and foreign investors.

Is the CED facility a gem for new-starts? Absolutely yes. Is it a widely-known gem? Maybe not.

Nevertheless, the video highlights one of the (many) stories of businesses that have successfully utilised the CED as a base for their operations. Also, the video is a reminder that there are opportunities for those wishing to commence commercial operations in Trinidad and Tobago.

14/12/2025

"At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly this week, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) signed their first cooperation agreement to strengthen the region’s resilience and unlock new sources of growth. UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan and CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett formalized the agreement... which sets out collaboration in key areas: strengthening statistics, fostering innovation and industrial policy, supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, boosting services and the digital economy, improving trade facilitation and enhancing food security.

This project aims to equip CARICOM Member States—including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—with stronger and more integrated statistical systems for monitoring and analyzing trade in services."

Well over 30 years ago I grew up hearing the sentence "information is ammunition" from an animated series. As simple as the statement is, there is a lot of meaning to it. Data, which is the raw and unprocessed form of information, has been referred to as "currency" by scholars due to the intrinsic value. Technocrats benefit heavily from using trade data when creating policies that can result in export-led growth. This type of data is especially relevant in an economy that is heavily dependent on services. However, the paucity of data in services throughout the Caribbean region has negatively impacted the policymaking-capabilities of Governments. Hopefully, the project will bear fruit, especially in those economies where the economy is heavily-dependent on services.

07/12/2025

International trade is one of those attractive talking points on social media because it is one of those relevant talking points in the conventional media. Consequently, there are many persons that are curious about, and desire further information on, international trade. "Google" remains the "friend" of many, and information gleaned from searches via the popular search engine edify those that are new to the field. The information received also informs positions on the current multilateral system that are proffered by one and all, including individuals that have spent their lives separate and apart from studying economics (or any of the social sciences). Thus, While the interest on the topic is welcomed, the misinformation that is spread is a bit of a turn-off.

Kudos to the International Trade Centre for this timely video. Responding to the trending "international trade" topic by utilsing the popular "Autocomplete Interview" format, the Executive Director provided informed responses based on her (years of) expertise. Maybe the ITC should tackle more regularly searched questions via this format...

18/11/2025

The following trends in maritime rates were identified in UNCTAD's "Review of Maritime Transport 2025" publication:

1. The Red Sea crisis drove up spot container freight rates in 2024 with partial relief by year-end.
2. Container freight rates fluctuated into 2025 amid shocks and fleet expansion, with strategic alliances and coordinated capacity management playing a growing role against an increasingly uncertain market outlook
3. Containership charter rates: Rebounding across segments in 2024 and into 2025
(https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/rmt2025ch3_en.pdf)

Also, "Uncertainty around China and United States tariff measures as well as capacity realignments, such as the reallocation of surplus trans-Pacific tonnage to other trade lanes (for example, exports to Europe and Latin America, and intra-Asia), are expected to affect market dynamics and exacerbate freight rate volatility." (https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/rmt2025ch3_en.pdf)

With specific reference to merchandise trade:
1. Global shipping moves over 80% of the world’s merchandise trade (https://unctad.org/news/shipping-data-unctad-releases-new-seaborne-trade-statistics, UNCTAD April 2025).
2. Distributors rely on markets far and wide to purchase their products.
3. The selling price of imported finished goods is a combination of a) cost of the good, b) the cost to ship the good, and c) any taxes charged by the Government on these goods.

Consumers know the aforementioned three points. However, they typically ignore the freight costs when analysing changes in the selling prices of goods, even though they are aware that the products originate in countries that are thousands of kilometres away. This disregard of the supply chain is evidenced whenever there is a cry against those increasing prices, and every culprit except those responsible for freight costs is identified.

An appreciation of the supply chain and its effect on the selling price is important. The failure of one component of the chain can result in an effect in the freight cost. Can shipping companies absorb these costs? Sure. Do shipping companies absorb these costs? Not always. Thus, credit is due to logistics providers that utilise mitigation measures to minimise increases in shipping costs during these disruptions.

As I learnt in secondary school, a chain is as strong as its weakest link. If one component in the supply chain fails, the entire chain is disrupted. The ability to maintain the supply chain irrespective of disruptions has to be recognised. Moreover, utilising alternative sources for products is an option that must be aggressively pursued. The reality is, there is little that can be done in the short-term. However, for the long-term, both private sector (via sourcing new suppliers) and public sector (via trade agreements) need to work together to address this issue.

Global shipping, moving over 80% of the world’s merchandise trade, is entering a period of fragile growth, rising costs and mounting uncertainty, according to UN Trade and Development’s latest Review of Maritime Transport 2025.

After firm growth last year, seaborne trade is expected to stall in 2025, with volumes barely rising (+0.5%).

Long-distance rerouting caused by geopolitical tensions kept ships busier last year with a record of nearly 6% growth in ton-miles.

Full report: ▶️ https://ow.ly/6aa750X1EEu

29/10/2025

https://unctad.org/publication/global-trade-update-september-2025-trade-policy-uncertainty-looms-over-global-markets

“Small firms in these countries struggle most to adjust, constrained by limited credit, weaker infrastructure and products that cannot easily be moved in response to sudden policy shifts. These constraints deepen their vulnerabilities.” - Correct

“Diversification key for resilience
Two factors can reduce vulnerabilities: diversified export markets and participation in trade agreements.
1) Firms with multiple markets can redirect shipments when one closes, cushioning losses.
2) Countries with broader export bases offset downturns in one region with gains elsewhere.”

The solutions proffered above are not new, and they remain sound recommendations to the current problems in the globalised trading arena, since multiple markets for firms provide them with the option to sell to different customers when the need arises.

However, the transition from theory to reality is either easier said than done or does not manifest as expected. Firstly, securing multiple markets is not an easy task for companies in Trinidad and Tobago. While Latin America has always been touted as a viable option based on its proximity and size, local manufacturers are required to conduct extensive primary research to understand the needs of this market. Additionally, it should be noted that there are nuances within each country in Latin America that need to be accounted for. Thus, markets in which the diaspora reside have always been easier targets, because the manufacturers are already aware of the preferences of the consumers, and existing networks facilitate market entry. The largest diaspora market for Trinidad and Tobago (and for most, if not all, countries in the English-speaking Caribbean) is the USA. Interestingly enough, the reason for the UNCTAD's publication is the high level of uncertainty that currently exists in the largest North American

Despite the concerns mentioned above, Governments and companies should not be discouraged. These issues can be addressed, and to survive in this globalised trading environment, these issues must be addressed.

Trade policy uncertainty has become a major source of global instability. Sudden shifts in tariffs, subsidies or restrictions fuel volatility.

18/08/2025

This post piqued my interest. It is clear from the literature that industrial parks can be used to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Thus, developing countries have constructed these parks as one of the internationally-recognised measures to pursue economic development. However, as with any man-made creation, care is required to ensure that degradation does not occur.

Many times citizens are (made) aware of the opening of new parks or the renovation of existing ones. Indeed, the creation of new parks or renovations of older parks are multimillion dollar investments that any Government would ensure to promote. The state agency charged with the management of the industrial park will also ensure that these investments are promoted, as they auger well for FDI. Conversely, and typically, citizens are not (made) aware of the subsequent maintenance activities that occur on these parks. Operating an industrial park goes beyond cutting the ribbon to mark its opening.

I am unsure whether these repairs and upgrades were executed in reaction to a complaint or as part of the agency's periodic review of its assets. Additionally, it is very easy to quip that maintenance is par for the course, and that such a recognition is unnecessary. However, notwithstanding that additional upgrades may be necessary and outstanding, it is refreshing to see that some work has been (and continues to be) executed to upkeep the industrial parks.

23/06/2025

"According to the report, national strategies should focus on AI’s three key leverage points: infrastructure, data and skills. Priorities include building AI literacy across the population by integrating STEM and AI into education from early schooling to lifelong learning."

The report further presents case studies of countries who have integrated AI into the curriculum. One example is Ghana, where there is the National Junior High School Computing Curriculum that will expand the existing curriculum to equip the youth with essential AI and coding skills, among other things. While the nexus between trade and industry is evident, the connection between industry and education is not as apparent (and is sometimes overlooked). However, this link is important, and, based on the case study of Ghana, there are two conclusions for consideration by Trinidad and Tobago:
1) There needs to be a revision to the curriculum; and
2) Representatives (Government and private sector) of industry need to be consulted.

To thrive in an AI-driven world, developing countries must rethink industrial policies — focusing on tech, innovation, and knowledge-intensive services.

By 2023, two-thirds of developed economies had national AI strategies. Only 30% of developing countries — and just 12% of least developed ones — had one.

A new UN Trade and Development report urges action around three AI leverage points: infrastructure, data, and skills.

Full data story ▶️ https://ow.ly/EbEi50VvOp8

16/06/2025

Words of a manufacturer located within one of the industrial parks. He then proceeds to identify some of the benefits of locating his business (local investment) within one of the various industrial parks under the purview of eTeck. Videos such as these remind me that the academics do have solutions to the problems, and that the policy makers (politicians and technocrats) are actively seeking ways to develop the economy. Moreover, these videos serve as a reminder that attracting local investment should not be forgotten while we are in pursuit of attracting foreign direct investment.

Mr. Paul Lochan, Co-owner of Roof Mechanics & Co. Ltd., located at e TecK's Debe Light Industrial Park, gives his tenant testimonial about how his business h...

07/05/2025

"In the highly competitive global environment, our long-term survival cannot be based solely on the domestic market. Trinidad and Tobago will therefore forge strategic links with our trading partners to eliminate the barriers that impede our ability to be internationally competitive, and remain ahead of our competitors in the race for new markets." - Vision 2030

In an unpredictable global environment, it is imperative to formalise trading arrangements with existing trading partners. Signing trade agreements with non-traditional trading partners such as Chile is the Government sending a clear message to the business community that trade (exports and imports) should not be restricted to members of the global North, but that there are several markets within the global South waiting to be exploited.

04/05/2025

"The fundamental idea of an "industrial park" is that it is an industrial policy instrument, designed by the government to attract investment with the ultimate objective of achieving growth and development." (https://ipp.unido.org/industrial-parks-overview)

Emphasis on the creation of new industrial parks and the enhancement of existing ones has been on the agenda of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for several years, as one of the ways to support the local manufacturing sector. These industrial parks have also been used to attract foreign direct investment. Coupled with the various trade agreements and the local skillset, the companies operating within these parks contribute to the country's foreign exchange earnings via their respective exports.

17/04/2025

The Anti-Illicit Trade Task Force (AITTF) is a public-private partnership of organisations involved in combatting illicit trade in Trinidad and Tobago that was created in 2021. More information can be gleaned from this webpage: https://tradeind.gov.tt/aittf/. On 16 April 2025, the private sector representatives of the AITTF signed the Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy Charter, which was developed by the Trinidad and Tobago Intellectual Property Office in conjunction with the World Intellectual Property Office. Intellectual property theft, is a form of illicit trade. Thus, the action taken by these private sector representatives reflect the commitment of the private sector in Trinidad and Tobago to combatting illicit trade.

12/04/2025

When misinformation is more available than accurate data, it is important that businesses have access to credible information, especially those companies that are seeking new markets to export their respective products. The Global Trade Helpdesk provides such information in a user-friendly dashboard, consisting of trade data, tariff data, mandatory product requirements, sustainability standards, and companies that can facilitate trade into the export market (e.g. trade finance providers, trade promotion organisations and freight forwarders).

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Explore the Global Trade Helpdesk, globaltradehelpdesk.org, your free hub for market analysis.

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