Why Become a Member?
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE
The main objective of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce is to provide valuable benefits for its membership in order to assist them to grow and enhance their businesses and gain a competitive edge. The Chamber encourages all members to take advantage of these services we offer as it is only through active participation that one can create new alliances and further the promotion of trade and investment relations.
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION, MEDIATION AND ARBITRATION SERVICES
The Dispute Resolution Centre (DRC), originally developed by the Chamber, is an autonomous, Non-Profit Organisation which provides the following services:
- Consultancy services for System Design and Implementation in Conflict Management and ADR Mechanisms
- Training Programmes on Negotiation, Mediation, Arbitration and Conflict Resolution.
- Provides Mediation and Arbitration services. (The DRC maintains a Panel of qualified Mediators and Arbitrators).
BUSINESS REFERRALS
The Chamber continuously recommends members for Business Referral requests which come to the Chamber’s Office locally, regionally and internationally, and we encourage members to do business with other members whenever possible.
CHAMBER CERTIFICATE
All members of the Chamber receive a membership certificate which they can display in their offices and bring enhanced visibility to their business.
CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN
We also provide Certificates of Origin to authenticate the country of origin for merchandise being shipped. Chamber members receive a discount on the fees for this service.
GROUP HEALTH AND ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT PLAN
In an effort to foster better healthcare support, the Chamber launched a quality Group Health and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Plan which has proven to be a very important benefit for members, especially small businesses and individuals. This highly flexible plan with Sagicor-protection is guaranteed against local and foreign emergencies. The Plan specifically targets member companies and provides favourable contributions for participants due to the size of the Group. Being a member you will receive a personal International Caricare Medical Card that affords enhanced protection against emergencies while traveling or assistance for overseas treatment. Members also receive the local Medicard Discount Card.
LEGISLATION
We monitor the Parliamentary agenda and review and comment on pertinent Bills before Parliament, as well as Green Papers and Position Papers.
INFORMATION AND PUBLICATIONS
Members will also receive or quarterly Business Magazine “CONTACT” which can assist in the identification and dissemination of key information and strategies to help ensure your business’ sustainability and viability. We also produce four (4) e-newsletters: Members Notes; Trade Bulletin; Industrial Relations; Customs, Shipping and Ports and Health and Wellness.
INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (ICC)
Our chamber is also a member of the ICC which is a world organization representing businesses from all sectors around the world. It promotes business enterprise and investment and works for the liberalization of trade and investment within the multilateral trading system. It has also been instrumental in the development of key international trading instruments as well as a world leader in setting voluntary rules, standards and codes for the conduct of international trade that are accepted by all business sectors. This membership allows us to keep members informed of all changes affecting international business relations via access to ICC publications including trade journals etc. We are also the Secretariat of ICC Caribbean National Committee.
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS DATA
The Chamber’s Industrial Relations Committee monitors the cases and decisions of the Industrial Court every quarter and we publish an e-newsletter which includes a review of the industrial relations climate in Trinidad and Tobago and judgments in recent IR cases.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS UNIT (ITNU) SERVICES
The Chamber is part of the INTU which is a mechanism for influencing trade policy and facilitating growth of the services sector in Trinidad and Tobago. The Unit engages in specific research or consultation at the request of members, acts as a link between the private sector and Ministries, facilitates requests for information, assists the Ministry of Trade and Industry in developing positions, participates in trade negotiations, provides information and interacts with regional organisations including CARICOM and the CRNM. The Unit also performs consultancy services.
LOBBYING
As the voice of Trinidad and Tobago’s business community, the Chamber provides representation and campaigns to advance the causes of its members. This includes lobbying Government and all relevant authorities at the local, country and national levels, hosting meetings and intensive media operations. Your voice will be heard on important regulatory, legislative and educational issues that directly affect your business.
MARKET DATA, RESEARCH AND INFORMATION
The Chamber’s Research Unit can answer your business queries and assist you by obtaining your information needs. The Unit manages the Chamber’s Business Library which contains a collection of international trade directors, journals and corporate publications. We offer a Daily News Sweep electronic service that provides news headliners by 10.00 a.m. each working day.
MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
The Chamber provides members with a variety of low-cost marketing opportunities by which to promote and market your business. This may accomplished through placing advertisements in our CONTACT magazine or using our facilities for your events. You will reach more than 1,300 business owners and key executives, who want to learn more about your products and services. The Chamber also offers numerous sponsorship opportunities through our events, programmes and publications.
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
Every year the Chamber publishes a Business Directory which serves as an excellent reference tool and resource. We list all members businesses alphabetically and also by sector and category.
NETWORKING AND EVENTS
The Chamber hosts several events each month which can provide a unique and personalized opportunity for you to make new business contacts and expand your network. Our main events are our Annual Business Week including a Career Fair, Business Hall of Fame and an International Feature Speaker Series; The Annual Meeting and Luncheon; Monthly Breakfast Meetings and Monthly Information Sessions, Briefings and Quarterly Member Clinics.
PRODUCT LAUNCHES AND MATCH-MAKING SESSIONS
There are many prospects for the promotion of your company’s products and services to our more than 1,300 representatives. We can arrange match-making sessions with prospective distributors, manufacturers, exporters and importers.
RENTAL FACILITIES
The Chamber’s Conference facilities at Columbus Circle, Westmoorings is ideally located in the outskirts of the capital city to host your Conferences, Product Launches, Training Seminars, Executive Meetings and Social Functions. We have wheelchair access, an elevator and provide full services including catering, audio and video. All financial members of the Chamber also receive a 10% discount.
TRAINING SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
The Chamber offers educational and information Training Seminars and Workshops throughout the year to build capacity and awareness and keep your employees informed about issues and matters affecting your firm’s operations along with the latest concepts and technology.
TRADE FACILITATION AND MISSIONS
We produce a Trade Bulletin e-newsletter which includes a list of international trade events, missions, offers and requests. The Chamber also supports your company’s trade and investment activities through organizing visits abroad, missions, exhibitions, fairs, international events, trade advice and export documentation.
WEBSITE DIRECTORY
The Chamber’s Website, www.chamber.org.tt lists all members alphabetically, categorically and also by sector. The Website also provides links to all members’ websites and e-mail addresses. In addition, it serves as a resource for the business community through valuable information on the Chamber, its programmes and events.
TRADE PORTAL
The Chamber is currently establishing a Trade Portal for members which will include e-commerce and merchant clearing facilities. This will provide a tremendous opportunity for you to operate online as well as sell your products and services and event manage your inventory. You will also be able to use online tools to build your own website or “Web Store”. The Portal will also offer the following key services:
- Member Forums
- Members can initiate topics within discussion forums, post messages and engage in dialogue
- Investor Related Information
- Log on to an online database which will store useful, relevant information to assist potential investors assessing investment opportunities in the host country.
- Ability for investors to view business opportunities or post profiles for prospective opportunities.
- Investment Leads
- This section will permit businesses to enter profiles, search available opportunities and post leads/investment/business opportunities
- You can also receive automatic email notification of possible matches such as trade partners, suppliers etc.
- Business Directory
- Access to a searchable directory via industry, business name or keyword listing businesses from the host country.
- The business profiles will contain comprehensive information on contacts, products, services, trade experience and technology.
