Ministry Launches “Buy Local, Build Trinbago” National Campaign

Ministry Launches “Buy Local, Build Trinbago” National Campaign

The Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism has officially launched the “Buy Local, Build Trinbago” campaign, a national initiative aimed at stimulating demand for locally produced goods and services while strengthening economic resilience and national pride.

The campaign was unveiled at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, where Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism Satyakama Maharaj delivered the keynote address. The event was attended by Cabinet ministers, chief executive officers, marketing professionals, and representatives from both public and private sector organisations.

“We are not just launching a campaign; we are declaring a national movement: Buy Local, Build Trinbago,” Minister Maharaj said during his address.

According to the ministry, the initiative seeks to encourage citizens to prioritise domestically produced goods and services in order to create jobs, reduce foreign exchange outflows, and strengthen the local market for export-ready products. The campaign targets several key sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, retail, transport, creative industries, and services.

The ministry outlined four core objectives of the campaign: increasing the promotion of locally produced goods and services; building consumer trust and awareness; improving the competitiveness of local businesses; and supporting enterprise growth and expansion.

Officials noted that Trinidad and Tobago remains heavily dependent on imports, leading to significant foreign exchange losses. Strengthening demand for local products, the ministry said, is essential to building a more self-sufficient, innovative, and resilient economy. Supporting local businesses also contributes directly to job creation across multiple sectors.

The campaign further aims to challenge outdated perceptions about local goods and services, highlighting that many domestic producers already meet international standards such as ISO, HACCP, and export certification.

“At the heart of the Buy Local, Build Trinbago campaign is a simple but powerful message: ‘Your purchase has power. Every time you buy local, you help build a stronger Trinbago’,” the ministry stated.

Consumers, businesses, and partners are being encouraged to actively participate by choosing, promoting, and supporting locally produced goods and services as part of a broader effort toward sustainable national development.

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