# Trinidad and Tobago trade and investment developments

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/trinidad-and-tobago-trade-and-investment-developments
> Updated: 2026-10-30T22:46:39.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

In early October, Trinidad and Tobago Trade and Investment Minister Satyakama Maharaj identified foreign exchange shortages and Customs delays as major hurdles for the private sector. He advocated for commercial banks to prioritize small and medium enterprises in forex allocation and announced the ‘Sail Clear’ system to expedite yacht processing.

By late October, the focus shifted toward economic diversification. Minister Maharaj urged the domestic construction sector to expand into the wider Caribbean market to reduce reliance on oil and gas. While he highlighted opportunities in regional hotel projects, critics expressed concern that prioritizing regional expansion might undermine domestic industrial development and innovation, especially amid discussions regarding the sale of national assets.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-30: Trinidad and Tobago Trade Minister urges construction sector to expand regionally

Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj has challenged Trinidad and Tobago's construction industry to seek regional Caribbean opportunities to aid economic diversification.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trinidad-and-tobago-trade-minister-urges-construction-sector-to-expand-regionally

### 2026-10-09: Trade ministers address forex and service delivery barriers

Trade ministers in Trinidad and Tobago and Malawi are addressing systemic barriers to investment, specifically focusing on foreign exchange shortages, customs delays, and poor public service delivery.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trade-ministers-address-forex-and-service-delivery-barriers

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Cite as: Trinidad and Tobago trade and investment developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/trinidad-and-tobago-trade-and-investment-developments