MEDIA RELEASE
03/07/2026
The American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM T&T) has called on the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to adopt a bold national target of doubling the technology sector's contribution to at least seven per cent (7%) of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), positioning technology as a central pillar of the country's economic diversification and economic transformation strategy.
Delivering the Opening Remarks at the 8th edition of the Tech Hub Islands Summit (T.H.I.S.), presented by AMCHAM T&T & Massy Group with the theme IMPACT, AMCHAM T&T CEO Nirad Tewarie said Trinidad and Tobago has both the talent and the opportunity to transform technology into one of its fastest-growing economic sectors.
"I want to suggest that we set a goal as a country to get at minimum 7% of GDP from the technology sector," Tewarie said to an audience that included Senator the Honourable Dominic Smith - Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence who delivered the Opening Keynote Address. "We can develop a series of interconnected plans to achieve that ambition. Because when technology grows, the benefits are not confined to one sector. Technology enables every sector to become more productive, more efficient, more competitive, and more outward-looking. The ripple effects across the economy would be significant."
Tewarie noted that current estimates place the technology sector's contribution to GDP at between 2.8% and 3.7%, arguing that Trinidad and Tobago should now establish an ambitious national target that reflects the country's potential to compete in the global digital economy.
He emphasized that technology should never be viewed as a standalone industry but as an enabler across every aspect of national development. "Every company today is, at least in part, a technology company. Every institution must become technology enabled. That is no longer optional – it is how organizations will survive, compete and thrive."
While reaffirming support for the continued development of agriculture, tourism and the creative industries, Tewarie argued that the technology sector presents one of Trinidad and Tobago's greatest opportunities for medium-term economic growth and foreign exchange generation.
He pointed to growing global demand for digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, fintech, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data services and advanced digital solutions, suggesting that Trinidad and Tobago should actively position itself within global technology value chains.
He further proposed that, as new natural gas production comes on stream over the coming years, T&T should begin planning now to attract energy-intensive technology investments, including data centres and digital infrastructure. "Technology offers us a practical pathway to diversify our economy. If we are strategic, Trinidad and Tobago can become far more than a consumer of technology—we can become a producer, an innovator and a regional technology hub."
Tewarie also proposed deeper regional collaboration between Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela to position the Southern Caribbean as a globally competitive technology and innovation cluster.
He noted that global companies are increasingly seeking geographically stable locations and more diversified supply chains while countries continue searching for trusted destinations for investment. To capitalize on these opportunities, he said Trinidad and Tobago must continue strengthening investor confidence through modern legislation, digital governance frameworks, data protection, cybersecurity and regulatory certainty.
"We must continue building trust. Global companies invest where there is confidence—in institutions, in legislation, in governance and in people."
The AMCHAM T&T CEO stressed that no single institution could build a technology ecosystem alone. Highlighting AMCHAM T&T’s longstanding advocacy, Tewarie said collaboration between government, the private sector, academia and international partners remain essential if Trinidad and Tobago is to accelerate digital transformation.
He welcomed the continued partnership with the Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, while also outlining several policy recommendations that could strengthen national competitiveness, including advancing Digital Public Infrastructure, introducing Digital Nomad visas, pursuing Global Entry and pre-clearance arrangements with the United States, expanding digital government services, and modernizing legislative frameworks supporting innovation.
Now in its eighth year, the Tech Hub Islands Summit has become one of the Caribbean's leading forums for digital transformation, bringing together policymakers, business leaders, technology innovators, entrepreneurs and international experts to explore the future of technology and its impact on business and society.
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For further questions or comments please contact: Nirad Tewarie, CEO AMCHAM T&T at niradtewarie@amchamtt.com.