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The country’s major business chambers have welcomed the 2026 National Budget but are cautioning that its success will depend heavily on timely implementation, consistent stakeholder engagement, and transparency across public institutions.
The Budget, presented by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, has been described by the private sector as an important step towards rebuilding investor confidence and modernising State systems. However, while many have praised its emphasis on digitalisation, fiscal accountability, and fairness, others have warned that long-standing issues such as VAT refunds, foreign exchange shortages, and inefficiencies in public service delivery must be urgently addressed if businesses are to feel the real impact of these measures.
The American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (Amcham T&T) noted that several of its long-advocated proposals have been incorporated into the new fiscal package, particularly reforms aimed at strengthening the Customs and Excise Division. These include increased staffing, integration of advanced technologies such as the upgraded ASYCUDA system, and the introduction of risk-based auditing and digital payments.
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