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Strengthening Regional Partnerships at AACCLA 2026​


LINKAGE Q1 (2026) - REVITALISATION & TRANSFORMATION
In February 2026, AMCHAM T&T CEO Nirad Tewarie joined regional business leaders, policymakers and industry experts in Miami, USA, for the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America and the Caribbean (AACCLA) “Outlook on the Americas Conference and Strategic Priorities Meeting”—one of the hemisphere’s leading fora on trade, investment and economic collaboration.
Held annually, the conference convenes representatives from American Chambers of Commerce across more than 20 countries, providing a platform to examine the economic and political trends shaping the region and to advance strategies for growth and innovation.
During the engagement, Tewarie met with Isabella Cascarano, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Western Hemisphere at the International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. Their discussions focused on Trinidad and Tobago’s Revitalisation Blueprint—launched by the Government in November 2025—and the potential to mobilise U.S. capital and private sector participation in priority development projects.

Nirad Tewarie (CEO | AMCHAM T&T) & Isabella Cascarano (Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Western Hemisphere at the International Trade Administration | U.S. Department of Commerce)
They also explored opportunities surrounding the Government’s concept of special economic zones, particularly in relation to supporting increased private sector activity in Venezuela as part of its rebuilding phase.
Beyond bilateral discussions, the conference provided an opportunity to strengthen ties across the AMCHAM network. Tewarie engaged with several regional counterparts, including Neil Herrington of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Amaru Liendo and José Antonio Apostolico of AmCham Venezuela, as well as Iman Cummings and Richard Leo of AmCham Guyana.
(Nirad with Iman Cummings (l) President | AmCham Guyana, and Richard Leo (r) (CEO | AmCham Guyana)
These engagements underscore the importance of regional collaboration at a time when the Americas are navigating shifting economic dynamics. As countries seek to attract investment, enhance competitiveness and drive sustainable growth, platforms like AACCLA continue to play a critical role in connecting stakeholders and shaping the future of hemispheric trade.
For Trinidad and Tobago, participation in these high-level dialogues reinforces its commitment to building strategic partnerships, unlocking new opportunities and positioning the country within a more integrated and forward-looking regional economy.