PORT OF SPAIN, August, 2011 - The ITC Non- Tariff Measures Survey was officially launched on August 23rd at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Port of Spain.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry has partnered with the International Trade Centre to undertake a survey to identify the Non- Tariff Measures in Trinidad and Tobago, which make doing business difficult. Non- tariff measures can become a major obstacle to international trade and market access, especially so for importers and exporters in developing and least developing countries. They can take the form of technical regulations, product standards and customs procedures.
The International Trade Centre is funding the survey and shall be using the services of a local consultant, AK Insights, to conduct the survey of local companies. The purpose of the survey is to identify the major non-tariff obstacles which businesses face, including problems associated with compliance with national regulations. The survey is expected to provide a greater understanding of the specific needs of the private sector as it pertains to non-tariff measures. This understanding would then be translated into policy directives aimed at reduction of these obstacles by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.