The second phase of Trinidad and Tobago’s national e-commerce strategy project is officially underway, following a consultation at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain on July 16.
Led by the Ministry of Trade in collaboration with the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), this initiative aims to shape the country’s e-commerce landscape from 2023-2026 through data-driven strategies.
During the consultation, Minister of Trade Paula Gopee-Scoon highlighted the significance of digital transformation in driving innovation, growth, and social prosperity. Drawing on insights from the World Trade Organisation (WTO), she emphasized the potential for small and medium-sized enterprises to actively engage in global value chains with the rise of the digital economy.
Gopee-Scoon also underscored existing digital policies and initiatives, such as TTBizLink and GovPayTT, which streamline processes and enable cashless transactions for government services. She stressed the importance of aligning the national e-commerce strategy with these ongoing efforts for maximum impact.
This project, which commenced in December 2023 with a partnership agreement with UNCTAD, builds on the first phase’s e-trade assessment. Through stakeholder consultations, online surveys, and feedback from various sectors, the assessment identified gaps and opportunities for advancing e-commerce in Trinidad and Tobago.
Moving forward, the national e-commerce strategy will focus on key areas identified in the assessment, including legal frameworks, data collection, literacy, and affordable online payment solutions. Minister Gopee-Scoon emphasized the role of stakeholders in shaping the strategy to address local needs and foster a transformative environment for businesses.
With the collaborative efforts of government, organizations, and individuals, Trinidad and Tobago is poised to leverage digital technologies for sustainable economic growth and inclusivity in the e-commerce sector.
