Minister Swaratsingh: Carnival Can Become Year-Round Economic Engine
Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival can be transformed into a year-long economic engine.
This is according to Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh, as he addressed the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s Catalyst Conference on Wednesday.
The Conference is designed to create connections between entrepreneurs, buyers, local and regional businesses, SMEs, and financial institutions.
During his address, Minister Swaratsingh said SMEs can help move the Carnival creative sector to the next level of economic viability.
« By bringing together creative entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and industry leaders, initiatives such as this create the foundation for a more organised and sustainable Carnival economy. With the right investment, infrastructure and policy support, Carnival can evolve from a seasonal event into a continuous economic platform that strengthens our global cultural brand and supports creative SMEs throughout the year. »
He noted that these SMEs will benefit from the Government’s digital transformation initiative.
« Technology will also play a critical role in supporting this transformation. Digital platforms now allow businesses to reach international markets, distribute content globally, and engage customers in ways that were previously impossible. Data analytics, e-commerce platforms, digital platforms, and online streaming have become essential tools for modern enterprises. »
Dr. Swaratsingh said the digital transformation of small businesses will also have an economic benefit for the entire country.
« When SMEs leverage these technologies effectively, they enhance not only their own performance but also the overall productivity of the national economy. Friends, the conversation taking place during this conference reflects the type of collaboration required to move Trinidad and Tobago forward. »
