A Strategic Vision for a Sustainable and Competitive Trinidad and Tobago

Central to Trinidad and Tobago’s journey toward economic resilience and national transformation lies a bold, future-focused commitment by this Government. Charged with this mandate is the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, a central institution in shaping the country’s sustainable, inclusive and competitive future.

Guided by Strategy, Driven by Vision

The Ministry operates with a clear and ambitious mandate: to advance the country’s development through integrated planning, policy innovation, and strategic partnerships. Our role is not just administrative, we pride ourselves as architects of transformation, focused on building a society where all citizens, businesses and communities can thrive.

At the core of our work is the belief that national development must be inclusive and sustainable. Strategic vision goes beyond economic metrics, it is about securing the well-being of the nation today while laying the groundwork for tomorrow. Our approach is data-driven, collaborative and aligned with international best practices.

The S.E.E.S.S. Framework: Five Focal Areas of National Development

The Ministry’s work is structured around five interrelated pillars: Social, Economic, Environmental, Statistical, and Spatial Planning, collectively known as S.E.E.S.S. (pronounces sees). This framework enables us to drive holistic development in a coordinated and effective manner.

1. Social Policy and Strategy: Putting People First

Every policy, programme and initiative begins with people. Our focus on national manpower planning, socio-economic monitoring, and the establishment of a National Population Council ensures that human capital development is prioritized. Inclusive growth is more than a goal to us, it is a necessity. Our strategies to achieve the goals of the focus areas mentioned above are designed to expand opportunities, reduce inequality while empowering communities across the country.

2. Economic Transformation: From Oil Dependence to a Knowledge Economy

Trinidad and Tobago’s long-term prosperity depends on economic diversification and transformation. Through close collaboration with the National Economic Council and the Economic Development Advisory Board, we are facilitating a shift from traditional energy dependence to a more dynamic, knowledge-based economy.

This includes fostering innovation, strengthening entrepreneurship and unlocking private sector potential. We are deepening ties with key institutions like the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI), which is part of our mandate, and establishing the Council for Innovation and Competitiveness to help drive our productivity and global competitiveness.

Our partnership with international financial institutions such as the World Bank Group, IDB Invest, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) reflects a modern economic strategy that positions the Government as a facilitator and regulator placing the private sector as the engine of growth.

We are targeting between US$2 billion and US$5 billion in private sector financing over the next 3–5 years to fund high-impact development initiatives in sectors like agriculture, housing, transportation and renewable energy. These investments are aimed at strengthening fiscal resilience and expanding non-energy revenue streams, offering new opportunities for business leaders across the country.

3. Environmental Stewardship: Building Climate Resilience

Our economic and social goals are underpinned by a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. Through the Environmental Policy and Planning Division and the Green Fund Executing Unit, the Ministry is leading the national climate change response.

We are working alongside agencies such as the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) and international development partners to roll out a National Framework for Sustainable Development. From biodiversity preservation to the promotion of renewable energy, we are making strategic investments that ensure future generations inherit a greener, more sustainable Trinidad and Tobago.

Environmental management is a key part of our agenda.  With a sustainable environmental plan at the heart of our plans, we will ensure that the earth is protected and resources are sustained.

4. Statistics and Data: Evidence-Based Development

Good planning requires good data. The Central Statistical Office (CSO) plays a critical role in ensuring our policies are grounded in facts, not assumptions. By strengthening data systems and modernizing national indicators, we are equipping decision-makers—both in government and in the private sector with the tools they need to navigate change effectively.

Our data-driven approach is also supported by the National Transformation Unit, which integrates key statistics into policy development and national reporting frameworks through official monitoring and evaluation.

5. Spatial and Urban Planning: Designing for sustainable communities

Our vision of development includes creating well-designed, connected, and liveable communities. The Town and Country Planning Division leads efforts to modernize land use planning and urban development, balancing heritage preservation with future-ready infrastructure.

One key innovation is the DevelopTT electronic permitting platform, which has streamlined construction approvals and increased transparency, making it easier for businesses to get projects off the ground faster and with fewer bottlenecks.

Global Partnerships, Local Impact

Trinidad and Tobago is not working in isolation. Our Ministry has built strong partnerships with institutions such as the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the European Union (EU). These relationships help us secure financing, technical expertise, as well as policy alignment that accelerate national development while meeting global standards.

An Invitation to the Private Sector: Let’s Build the Future Together

To the business community of Trinidad and Tobago and across the Caribbean, we extend this message: your partnership is essential. The Government is creating the conditions for you to thrive through infrastructure, policy reform, digital systems and international collaboration.

We envision a future where Trinidad and Tobago is a hub of innovation, sustainability, and economic strength.  A country where development is not only measured in GDP, but in opportunity, resilience and shared prosperity.

We invite everyone to work together to make this vision a reality.

Senator Dr. the Honourable Kennedy Swaratsingh

Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago