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Trade Facilitation and Non-Energy Exports of Trinidad and Tobago

Author

Listed:
  • Roger Hosein

    (Department of Economics, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Kingston 7, Trinidad and Tobago)

  • Rebecca Gookool

    (Department of Economics, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Kingston 7, Trinidad and Tobago)

  • George Saridakis

    (Kent Business School, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7FS, UK)

Abstract

The economy of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) has traditionally depended on its energy sector as a key driver of economic activity. This sector, however, has been shown to be volatile and vulnerable to global economic shocks; this is no more evident than what has been observed during the coronavirus pandemic. Oil prices have, as a result declined significantly, and this has put the economy on a path of compounded economic misfortune. The non-energy trade sector though has traditionally been identified as having more stable export earning potential and as such in adjusting to the economic nuances of the global shock associated with the coronavirus pandemic, there is an opportunity for policy makers to reconsider the role of the non-energy sector. This paper provides an overview of trade facilitation policy considerations to boost the outcomes of the non-energy sector. We find that factors such as language, port infrastructure liner connectivity and customs impact on export performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Roger Hosein & Rebecca Gookool & George Saridakis, 2021. "Trade Facilitation and Non-Energy Exports of Trinidad and Tobago," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:5:p:2870-:d:512067
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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