Overview

Key financial indicators sound as banks work to support non-energy industries in Trinidad and Tobago
OBG
plus

In the face of economic sluggishness in 2019, Trinidad and Tobago’s banking sector showed continued consolidation and resilience. As the sector plays an increasingly critical role in the country’s diversification progress, executives are focused on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In the near term, domestic banks are seeking to hone their competitive edge and enhance their…

Overview

New public offerings and bonds boost Trinidad and Tobago's capital markets
OBG
plus

The decade closed with an uptick in activity in Trinidad and Tobago’s capital markets, largely due to increases in initial public offerings (IPOs), a series of mergers and acquisitions (M&As), and a number of bonds issued in the latter half of 2018 and into 2019. Even so, activity in the financial markets remains muted, a pattern seen across many bourses in the Caribbean. The local market tends…

Overview

Consolidation and innovation create new product lines in Trinidad and Tobago
OBG
plus

While overall economic growth was flat in 2019, the financial sector experienced 1.4% expansion, to which insurance was a strong contributor. From January to March 2019 finance and insurance activities grew by 1.7%, according to the Ministry of Finance. Together with real estate and business services, the sector added 400 new employees in 2019. Financial and insurance activities contributed…

Overview

Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean nations enhance regional integration
OBG
plus

Despite its relatively small size, Trinidad and Tobago has played a significant role both politically and economically in the Caribbean since its independence from the UK in 1962. Given its strategic location at the southernmost point of the region, the island serves as a nexus between the island nations to the north and its southern neighbours on the South American mainland. It has been part of CARICOM…

Overview

Renewable energy on the rise as costs decline, particularly in developing economies
OBG
plus

Although the world remains largely dependent upon fossil fuels for power generation, a gradual transition towards renewable sources has been taking place since the 1990s, underpinned by multilateral deals such as the Kyoto Protocol, the Doha Amendment and, more recently, the Paris Agreement. Investment and development in renewable technologies has historically been led by developed countries, however,…

Overview

New oil and gas discoveries support energy sector's recovery in Trinidad and Tobago
OBG
plus

Hydrocarbons have long been the primary driver of Trinidad and Tobago’s economy. Indeed, T&T is the largest oil and gas producing country in the Caribbean, with the energy sector contributing around 45% to GDP, according to the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI). In addition, the country has a developed upstream petrochemicals industry and is a major exporter of liquefied natural…