Trinidad Launches New Agency to Support Global Investment

Trinidad has launched a new investment promotion agency called Global Trinidad & Tobago by merging three existing agencies, with Sekou Alleyne, head of the pre-existing Invest Trinidad and Tobago, appointed as Chief Executive Officer.

The merger simplifies government oversight, making it easier to hold the new agency accountable while taking on the critical role of attracting foreign investment to the Caribbean twin-island nation.

Global Trinidad & Tobago is reportedly forging ahead with a mission to boost the country’s export growth by 20% and position it among the world’s top 10 performers. The agency aims to meet the needs of both domestic and international companies operating in the country.

The Caribbean nation is aggressively pursuing efforts to attract global companies.

The appointment of Alleyne is promising for foreign BPO vendors, given his regional recognition and successful track record in the knowledge services industry.

He previously led the development of a BPO cluster in the country, which now includes nine operational firms employing over 2,500 people.

Alleyne was also the visionary behind eTecK’s Phoenix Park Industrial Estate, which has reportedly reached a 98 percent occupancy rate. Just this month, American healthcare BPO Carenet Health kicked off operations in the country by using the country’s special economic zone regime.

Alleyne told Nearshore Americas that the agency has already begun its mission, launching trade missions and roadshows to sustain strong engagement with investors and businesses both locally and globally.

GTT is providing comprehensive support to foreign investors, including demographic data, workforce training, and research assistance to guide decisions on new site locations within the country.

When asked about plans to enhance the talent pool for the BPO sector, Alleyne said GTT has engaged domestic trade groups and the American Chamber of Commerce to conduct a talent pool survey. “Based on the outcomes, GTT will execute a 3-to-5-year plan to boost the talent pool,” he said.