Trinidad and Tobago Trade Minister urges construction sector to expand regionally

Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism Satyakama Maharaj has called on the Trinidad and Tobago building sector to look beyond the domestic market and pursue opportunities within the wider Caribbean. Speaking at the Beyond the Blueprint exhibition, Maharaj emphasized that capturing a larger share of regional building expenditure is essential for diversifying the economy away from oil and gas.

He noted that regional developments, such as hotel projects, create demand for local architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and manufacturers. Maharaj also welcomed initiatives like the proposed Blueprint Academy to address skill scarcities and industry barriers.

In response to the Minister's stance, critics have questioned the message being sent to local enterprises. Concerns were raised that encouraging businesses to look abroad may undermine domestic innovation and industrial development, particularly while the government discusses the sale of national assets like Lake Asphalt and Hilton Trinidad.