Business View Caribbean | February 2021

25 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN FEBRUARY 2021 TR INIDAD AND TOBAGO MINI STRY OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 2. A TT $64 million competitiveness programme was also signed with the European Union (EU). This initiative aims to support the enhancement of an innovative and competitive economy in Trinidad and Tobago through economic transformation. The Programme, entitled “Support to a Competitive and Innovative Economy in Trinidad and Tobago”, was developed through a partnership involving the Ministry of Planning and Development, the European Union and the Inter-American Development Bank, with the Caribbean Industrial Institute (CARIRI) as the key implementing partner. This Programme is in line with the National Innovation Policy 2017-2020 and is designed to drive economic growth and jobs in a socially and environmentally sustainable way. The Honorable Camille Robinson-Regis, Minister of Planning and Development, sums it up best, “We are working for the collective support of the nation to plan and operationalize the future we want for ourselves and generations to come. We are also focused on achieving sustainable economic growth through greater diversification of the economy as well as improving the social conditions and quality of life of citizens in an inclusive and environmentally sensitive manner.” Looking to the future… notable projects • Climate Change: The Planning Ministry is the first in the Caribbean to develop and pilot test a Climate Change Mitigation Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system to assess our progress in meeting our commitments to the Paris Agreement. This will be rolled out in 2021, enabling the collection of data needed in government and industry to cut our carbon emissions to earth saving levels. • The Ministry is working with the Urban Development Company of T&T on a project called the Revitalisation of Port of Spain, which aims to breathe new life into Trinidad Port of Spain Mayor Joel Martinez, Prime Minister Keith Rowley and Planning and Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis share ideas during the Urban Development Forum for the Port of Spain Revitalisation Project. The Planning Ministry is working with a host of agencies to test pollution levels in the Guanapo Landfill. Staff of the Ministry of Planning and Development and volunteers from the public take part in a mangrove replanting exercise in Caroni Swamp to focus on carbon sequestration and enhancing mangrove forests in T&T.