WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION  
ORGANISATION MONDIALE DU COMMERCE  
ORGANIZACIÓN MUNDIAL DEL COMERCIO WT/TPR/M/151/Add.1 
2 November 2005 
 (05-5161) 
Trade Policy Review Body 
14 and 16 September 2005 Original:  English/Spanish 
                 anglais/espagnol                  inglés/español 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 
Minutes of Meeting
 
Addendum  
Chairperson:  H.E. Mr. Don Stephenson (Canada) 
 This document contains the advance written questions.1 
__________________________________________________________________________________  
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales 
14 et 16 septembre 2005  
EXAMEN DES POLITIQUES COMMERCIALES 
TRINITÉ-ET-TOBAGO 
Compte rendu de la réunion
 
Addendum  
Présidente:  S.E. M. Don Stephenson (Canada) 
 
 Le présent document contient les questions écrites communiquées à l'avance.1 
__________________________________________________________________________________  Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales 14 y 16 de septiembre 2005  
EXAMEN DE LAS POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES 
TRINIDAD Y TABAGO 
Acta de la reunión
 
Addendum  
Presidente:  Excmo. Sr. Don Stephenson (Canadá) 
 
 En el presente documento figuran las pr eguntas presentadas anticipadamente por escrito.1 
                                                      
1 In English and Spanish only./En anglais et espagnol seulement./En inglés y español solamente.          WT/TPR/M/151/Add.1 
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ADVANCE WRITTEN QUESTIONS 
 
JAPAN 
 
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/151) 
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(6) SERVICES (i) Overview 
 
(Page 92, paragraph 76, ref. page x, paragraph 21)  1. Japan recognizes that it will highly contri bute to enhancing the competitiveness of the 
manufacturing sector to advance the efficiency of distribution services.  Please indicate the specific 
measures taken by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for the liberalization of distribution 
services.  (Page 92, paragraph 76)  
2. Concerning trade in services, such measures as the visa and immigration system are important 
factors for the movement of natural persons.  In this regard, please answer the following questions: 
 (a) What are the procedures for a natural person who provides service as a worker to enter into Trinidad and Tobago and to start his/her job, incl uding the procedures for obtaining work permission, 
application for a visa and immigration control? 
 
(b) How is the skill of a worker entering into Trinidad and Tobago reviewed in the procedure 
raised in (a)?  (c) How does each procedure raised in (a) and (b) d eal with transparency?  Is the reason for refusal 
notified to the applicant in each procedure? 
 
(Page 92, paragraph 77) 
 3. Concerning the liberalization of maritime transport services, please indicate the specific 
measures by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.  In particular, please indicate the specific views 
of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago on the model schedule on maritime transport services  
 
ARGENTINA 
 
III. POLÍTICAS Y PRÁCTICAS COMERCIALES, POR MEDIDAS. 
2) Medidas que afectan a las importaciones. v) Otros derechos e impuestos. 
 
Pregunta 1: 
En el párrafo 57, página 48, el Informe de la Secr etaría señala que, en virtud de la Ley del IVA Nº 37 
de 1989, este impuesto se aplica a la mayoría de  los bienes y servicios, pero algunos productos y 
servicios se benefician con la exención al menci onado impuesto. El Informe sólo hace referencia a 
algunos productos. ¿Podría Trinidad y Tabago especificar otros productos que se encuentran beneficiados por esa exención mas allá de los enunciados en el párrafo 57? 
 WT/TPR/M/151/Add.1 
Page 4  
 
2) Medidas que afectan a las importaciones. 
xi) Medidas sanitarias y fitosanitarias. 
 
Pregunta 2: 
En el párrafo 105, página 62, el Informe de la  Secretaría menciona que existe una iniciativa 
denominada “Proyecto Nacional de Bioseguridad ” a partir del cual se elaboró un régimen 
reglamentario en esta materia, siendo uno de los r esultados de dicho proyecto un sistema para gestionar 
las notificaciones o las solicitudes de autorización en relación con ciertas actividades, como la 
introducción de organismos genéticam ente modificados ¿Podría Trinid ad y Tabago brindar más detalle 
acerca de esta iniciativa sobre bioseguridad? 
 
4) Medidas que afectan a la producción y al comercio. 
vi) Derechos de propiedad intelect ual relacionados con el comercio. 
a) Panorama general. 
 
Pregunta 3: 
En el párrafo 197, página 83, el Informe de la Secr etaría señala que en algunos sectores las leyes de 
Trinidad y Tabago proporcionan una protección más amp lia que la prevista por el Acuerdo sobre los 
ADPIC, dado que en virtud de un Memorando de En tendimiento entre el Gobierno de Trinidad y 
Tabago y el Gobierno de los Estados Unidos, su scripto en 1994, se convino en proporcionar una 
protección de los derechos de propiedad intelectual e quivalente a la de los Estados Unidos en dos años. 
¿ Podría Trinidad y Tabago indicar cuáles fueron los resultados obtenidos mediante la aplicación del 
Memorandum de Entendimiento entre su gobierno y el de Estados Unidos y de sus eventuales 
beneficios?  
e) Derechos de autor. 
 
Pregunta 4: 
El párrafo 210, página 85, del Informe de la Secretaría se refiere a la protección de programas 
informáticos. ¿Podría Trinidad y Tabago indicar cómo  se define en la legislación interna a las “obras 
derivadas” y cuál es el alcance de la protección otorgada?  j) Observancia.  Pregunta 5: 
En el párrafo 219, página 87. el Informe de la Se cretaría señala que en virtud del Common Law, el 
titular de un derecho que tenga ra zones válidas para sospechar que  la importación de mercancías 
infringe algún derecho de propiedad intelectual podrá solicitar a un tribunal la emisión de un 
mandamiento para que las autoridades aduaneras su spendan el despacho de dichas mercancías para la 
libre circulación. ¿ Podría indicar Trinidad y Ta bago cuáles son las garantías que se establecen al 
importador cuya mercadería se encuentra bajo sosp echa de estar violando al gún derecho de propiedad 
intelectual y consecuentemente se ha detenido su despacho en aduana? ¿Cuáles son los presupuestos 
sobre los cuáles se debe fundar la sospecha para  que tal medida sea adoptada, en caso de que 
existieren? 
 
Pregunta 6: 
En el párrafo 220, página 87, el Informe de la Secr etaría señala que la Ley de Marcas de Fábrica o de 
Comercio no se encuentra reglamentada aún. ¿ Podr ía indicar Trinidad y Tabago cuándo se estima que 
procederá a dictar la reglamentación necesaria para que opere la aplicación de medidas de frontera en 
materia de Marcas de Fábricas y Comercio en un lapso breve de tiempo? 
          WT/TPR/M/151/Add.1 
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IV. POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES, POR SECTORES. 
6) Servicios. i) Panorama General. 
 
Pregunta 7: 
En el párrafo 76, página 108, el Info rme de la Secretaría se refiere a la Lista de Trinidad y Tabago en el 
marco del AGCS respecto de las limitaciones horiz ontales de acceso a los mercados para el Modo 4 
(movimiento de personas físicas). ¿ Podría indicar  Trinidad y Tabago si contempla a futuro la 
posibilidad de que los permisos de trabajo se rijan po r marcos más generales en lugar de que el examen 
sea caso por caso? ¿Además si se contempla la posib ilidad de que se aumente el porcentaje de capital 
social adquirible por extranjeros?. 
 
CANADA 
 Report by The Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/151) 
 
Part II:  Trade Policy Regime:  Framework and Objectives, (3) Foreign Investment Regime, paragraph 22: 
 
1. The Secretariat Report states that new investment  legislation is being prepared by Trinidad and 
Tobago.  Could Trinidad and Tobago highlight some  of the elements of this new legislation? 
 
Part III:  Trade Policies and Practices by Meas ure, (4) Measures Affecting Production and Trade, 
(iii) Incentives and other government assistance, paragraph 153:  
2. The Secretariat Report indicates that Trinidad and Tobago provide various  tax-related incentive 
schemes directed at local and foreign investors alike.   Some of these schemes include domestic-content 
requirements.  Could Trinidad and Tobago clarify how those tax-related incentives linked to domestic 
content requirements are consistent with the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Investment 
Measures? 
 
Part III:  Trade Policies and Practices by Measur e, (2) Measures Affecting Imports, (x) Standards 
and technical regulations, Paragraph 90:  
3. To December 31, 2004, Trinidad and Toba go made thirty notifications under the WTO 
Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (G/TBT/ 15), which is, in our view, a strong record for a 
small economy with a limited number of regulations. Seven of these notif ications were made in 2004.  
We note that each of the seven notifications was accompanied by a comment period of less than 45 
days, when the recommended minimum period is 60 days.  We would ask Trinidad and Tobago to explain this discrepancy.  
Part III:  Trade Policies and Practices by Measur e, (2) Measures Affecting Imports, (x) Standards 
and technical regulations, Paragraph 93: 
 
4. Canada notes that the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) performs, inter alia , 
accreditation, testing and certification.  What measur es exist to ensure that the accreditation function is 
independent from the conformity assessment function?  Part III:  Trade Policies and Practices by Measur e, (2) Measures Affecting Imports, (x) Standards 
and technical regulations, Paragraph 94:    WT/TPR/M/151/Add.1 
Page 6  
 
5. As a regulatory body, has TTBS considered utilizing the services of accredited private 
conformity assessment bodies to test against mandatory standards issued by TTBS?  Has TTBS considered the potential benefits from the use of th is approach, including greater transparency and 
assurance of independence from the regulator as a standards developer? 
 
Part III:  Trade Policies and Practices by Measur e, (2) Measures Affecting Imports, (x) Standards 
and technical regulations, Paragraph 94: 
 
6. Does Trinidad and Tobago recognize foreign certification bodies to certify to its mandatory 
certification requirements for such things as electrical  safety?  Alternatively, is certification to, for 
example, Canadian requirements accepted as equivalent? 
 
Part III:  Trade Policies and Practices by Measur e, (2) Measures Affecting Imports, (x) Standards 
and technical regulations, Paragraph 98: 
 7. Canada notes that, as of December 2004, 51 CARICOM standards existed; however, Trinidad 
and Tobago has maintained mostly national standard s rather than adopting these regional standards.  
We would ask Trinidad and Tobago to explain th e discrepancy between national standards and those 
developed by the CARICOM Regiona l Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ).  Are there 
plans to withdraw conflicting national standards and to adopt regional st andards developed by 
CROSQ?  Is there a program in place for this process, if it exists? 
 
Part III:  Trade Policies by Measure, (4) Measures  affecting Production and Trade, (vi) Intellectual 
property rights, Paragraph 200: 
 
8. Canada notes that Trinidad  and Tobago “introduced protecti on for well-known marks” in 1996. 
Does it also include protection of well known marks with respect to services? 
 
Part III:  Trade Policies by Measure, (4) Measures  affecting Production and Trade, (vi) Intellectual 
property rights, Paragraph 202:  
9. Could Trinidad and Tobago please confirm whethe r there are, under its law, statutory civil 
remedies available to trade-mark holders in the event of trade-mark infringement? 
 10. In the context of trade-mark enforcement,  could Trinidad and Tobago provide a better 
understanding of the circumstances under which criminal prosecution may be resorted to? 
 Part III:  Trade Policies by Measure, (4) Measures  affecting Production and Trade, (vi) Intellectual 
property rights, Paragraph 203: 
 
11. Canada notes that Trinidad and Tobago “int roduced a provision for a utility certificate that 
affords protection to an owner of a useful innovation  who may otherwise be unable to fulfil the criteria 
to obtain a patent“.  However, “the criteria for th e grant of a utility certificate are novelty and industrial 
application“. Could Trinidad and Tobago provid e more information on “utility certificates“? 
 
Part III:  Trade Policies by Measure, (4) Measures  affecting Production and Trade, (vi) Intellectual 
property rights, Paragraph 206: 
 12. Canada would like to know if compulsory li censing under Patent law is specific in scope and 
duration.  Canada would also like to know whether Trinidad and Tobago’s Patent law includes review 
of the circumstances which led to the granting of a compulsory license.           WT/TPR/M/151/Add.1 
Page 7 
 
 
Part III:  Trade Policies by Measure, (4) Measures  affecting Production and Trade, (vi) Intellectual 
property rights, Paragraph 213: 
 
13. Canada notes that the subject matter of protection under the Geographical Indications Act 
“goes beyond appellations of origin.”  Could Trinid ad and Tobago please provide clarification as to the 
meaning of this sentence? 
 
Part III:  Trade Policies by Measure, (4) Measures  affecting Production and Trade, (vi) Intellectual 
property rights, Paragraph 213: 
 14. It appears that, under Trinidad and Tobago’s law, protection for geographical indications is 
further available irrespective of registration.  What kind of protection can be obtained other than by registration and by which means can it be secured?  Through common law?  
Part III:  Trade Policies by Measure, (4) Measures  affecting Production and Trade, (vi) Intellectual 
property rights, Paragraph 213:  
15. Canada notes that criminal sanctions may be imposed in the enforcement of geographical 
indications in Trinidad and Tobago.  Does Trinidad and Tobago also have statutory civil remedies available for dealing with infringements relating to  geographical indications?  Could Trinidad and 
Tobago provide more details on the policy rationale justifying criminal sanctions? 
 
Part IV:  Trade Policy by Sector, (3) Hydrocar bons, (i) Features, Paragraphs 36, 37, and 45:  
 
16. It is stated that the great majority of Trinidad & Tobago's energy production is exported, mainly to the United States.  This is particularly  the case with LNG and it is estimated that production 
will almost triple with the construc tion of a fourth plant.  Is it expected that LNG exports to other 
countries will increase and will Trinidad & Tobago seek new markets for its LNG exports?  
Part IV:  Trade Policy by Sector, (3) Hydrocarbons (i) Features, Paragraph 42: 
 
17. It is stated that Trinidad & Tobago importe d 22.5 million barrels of crude oil in 2004.  Are 
these imports expected to increase in th e future?  If yes, by what estimate? 
 
Part IV:  Trade Policy by Sector, (6) Services, (i) Overview, Paragraph 79: 
 
18. The report describes Trinidad and Tobago’s provi sions for the liberalization of services within 
CARICOM as per Chapter 3 of the Revised Treaty of  Chaguaramas.  How will this agreement impact 
Trinidad and Tobago’s GATS commitments?  
Part IV:  Trade Policies by Sector, (6) Servic es, (iii) Telecommunica tions, Paragraph 118: 
 
19. Canada is pleased to read in the Secretar iat Report that the Telecommunications Act, 2001, 
amended in 2004, is aimed at transforming the industry from a virtual monopoly, in which 
Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Toba go Limited (TSTT) is the principal provider of 
telecommunications services, to a competitive environm ent.  The Secretariat Report also mentions that 
TSTT was granted an exclusive license for 20 year s to provide both local and international 
telecommunication services in 1989.  Could Trinidad  and Tobago elaborate on its plans to introduce 
competition in the local and international teleco mmunication services markets?  Will competition be 
introduced prior to the end of TSTT’s exclusive license in 2009?  WT/TPR/M/151/Add.1 
Page 8  
 
Part IV:  Trade Policies by Sector, (6) Servic es, (iii) Telecommunica tions, Paragraph 121: 
 
20. The Secretariat Report mentions that no regula tions have been issued with respect to the 
implementation of the Telecommunications Act but notes that a comprehensive new regulatory 
framework is being drafted.  Could Trinidad and Tobago provide Canada with an update of its progress 
in developing a new regulatory framework?  
 
Part IV:  Trade Policy by Sector, (6) Services, (iv) Maritime transport and ports, Paragraph 138: 
 
21. It is stated that Trinidad and Tobago has ra tified a number of conventions of the International 
Maritime Organization.  In light of the high volum e of maritime traffic and the exporting/importing of 
oil, LNG and petrochemicals, as well as Trinidad and Tobago's membership in the 1992 Civil Liability 
Convention/International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund Convention, are any considerations being 
made to join the 2003 Supplementary Fund Protocol  or the 1996 Hazardous and Noxious Substances 
Convention? 
 
Part IV:  Trade Policies by Sector, (6) Services, (vi) Tourism, Paragraph 153: 
22. The Secretariat Report indicates that the T ourism Development Act 2000 "extended investment 
incentives to a wide range of activities in the touris m industry (approved tourism projects)".  How is an 
“approved tourism project” defined?  Does this de finition cover both domestic and foreign projects? 
 23. The Secretariat Report also states that "the Ac t is being amended to ex tend its benefits as at 
(sic) April 2005".  Could Trinidad and Toba go confirm whether this has happened? 
 Part IV:  Trade Policies by Sector, (6) Servi ces, (vi) Tourism, Paragraphs 154 and 155: 
24. Paragraph 154 of the Secretariat Report states that to be eligible for incentives, any hotel 
project must have a minimum of ten guestrooms. Pa ragraph 155 states that tourism incentives are open 
to foreigners, except in the ca se of accommodation facilities under 21 rooms. Please clarify the 
reference to the different minimum number of rooms.  Is the former only with respect to customs and excise duty exemptions and the latter with  respect to other types of incentives? 
 
COMMENTS:  
 
Part II:  Trade Policy Regime: Framework and Objectives, (3) Foreign Investment Regime, 
paragraph 28: 
 
The Secretariat Report states the following:  "The  BIT with the United States explicitly prohibits 
mandatory performance requirements as a condition for investment." 
 Canada should inform the WTO Secretariat that th e Canada-Trinidad and Tobago Foreign Investment 
Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) also pr ohibits certain types of performance requirements 
as a condition for investment.  Appendix Tables, Table AIV.1 - Summary of Trinidad and Tobago's specific commitments in individual service sectors: 
 
The Secretariat uses a fully shaded box to indicate full commitments, a partially filled box to indicate 
partial commitments, an unshaded box to indicate wh en Trinidad and Tobago has scheduled "None", 
and a – to indicate that Trinidad and Tobago has not scheduled any commitments.  Generally, when a 
Member has scheduled "None" in its schedule, this indicates it is fully open and therefore fully bound. 
          WT/TPR/M/151/Add.1 
Page 9 
 
 
In this regard, while the table may accurately refl ect Trinidad and Tobago's commitments, the use of 
the term "none" beside the unshaded box is misleadi ng.  We suggest, therefore, that the legend be 
modified to refer to only three elements:  Fully shaded box - to mean Memb er has scheduled "None" in its offer and thus has made full 
commitments. 
 Partially shaded box - to mean Member has ma de commitments but with some limitations. 
 Unshaded box - to mean Member has made no commi tment or has inscribed "Unbound" in its offer. 
 
UNITED STATES 
 Trade Policies and Practices by Measure 
 Measures Affecting Imports – Customs Tariff – Applied Rates
 
 1. According to paragraphs 34 and 35 on page 35 of the Secretar iat Report, Trinidad and Tobago 
has reduced the list of products subject to import surcharges to all but a few. 
 
When does Trinidad and Tobago expect either to  eliminate the remaining import surcharges or 
to reduce the surcharges to the bound rate for other duties and charges? 
 Measures Affecting Imports – Customs Tariff – Tariff Bindings
 
 2. Paragraph 41 on page 37 of the Secretariat Report notes that Trinidad and Tobago is working 
to address the inconsistency in its tariff schedul e of 44 lines whose rates currently exceed its WTO 
tariff bindings.  
When does Trinidad and Tobago expect to reduce these tariffs to bound rates? 
 Measures Affecting Exports – Export Tax and Duty Concessions, Including Free Zones – Export Tax 
and Duty Concessions  
 
3. The Secretariat Report explained in paragra phs 117 and 119 on page 55 that the Finance Act 
No. 3 of 1994 Section 25(d) “makes provision for a deduction of 150% of promotional expenses 
wholly or exclusively incurred for creating or promoting expansion into foreign markets (non-
CARICOM) of exports of building industry ser vices, goods and agricultural produce shipped in 
commercial quantities.”  In addition, the Secretar iat Report also noted that under Trinidad and 
Tobago’s Section 56E of the Customs Act (Chapt er 78:01), exporters are “eligible for a rebate, 
amounting to 1.5% of the value of export sales, wh ich is valid for the reduction of duty payable on 
future imports.”  
 (a) Please tell us more about these programs a nd the conditions under which the benefits are 
 provided to exporters. 
 
 (b) Have these programs been notified to the Subsidies Committee? 
 
Measures Affecting Exports – Export Tax and Duty Concessions, Including Free Zones – Free Trade 
Zones  
 4. In paragraph 124 on page 56, the Secretariat Report stated that “approved free zone enterprises 
may be permitted to sell up to 20% of their goods in the customs territory of Trinidad and Tobago.” 
 WT/TPR/M/151/Add.1 
Page 10  
 
 Please clarify whether companies located in free zones are liable for the appropriate import 
duties and taxes when exporting goods into the customs territory of Trinidad and Tobago. 
 Measures Affecting Production and Trade – State-Tr ading and Other State-Owned Enterprises – State-
Owned Enterprises and Privatization  
 
5. Based on the discussion in paragr aph 181 on page 67 of the Secret ariat Report, it would appear 
that unprofitable state-owned enterprises are receivi ng an estimated 76 million U.S. dollars in current 
transfers from the government.  
 (a) Did any of the recipients of the governme nt transfers receive funding because they are 
 exporters?  Has this program been no tified to the WTO Subsidies Committee? 
  (b) Does Trinidad and Tobago plan to reinvigorate its privatization program, including with  respect to the possible divestiture of  unprofitable state-owned enterprises? 
 
Measures Affecting Production and Trade – Trade- Related Intellectual Property Rights – Overview
 
 6. Referring to Table III.12 on page 70 of the Secretariat Report, we note that the WIPO 
Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Phonograms and Pe rformances Treaty provide an updated framework 
for the digital age. 
 
 Does Trinidad and Tobago have any plans to accede to these treaties?  Measures Affecting Production and Trade – Trade- Related Intellectual Property Rights – Patents
 
 
7. The Secretariat Report di scusses in paragraph 206 on page 72 the 1996 Patent Law’s 
provisions for compulsory licensing.   Please describe how compulsory licensing under Articles 46-48 of the Patent Act of 1996 
comply with TRIPS Article 31 conditions.  
Measures Affecting Production and Trade – Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights – Trade Secrets 
and Unfair Competition  
 8. Referring to paragra ph 212 on page 73 of the Secretariat Report, please describe how Trinidad 
and Tobago protects test data against unfair commercial use pursuant to TRIPS Article 39.3. 
 
Measures Affecting Production and Trade – Trade-Re lated Intellectual Property Rights – Geographical 
Indications  
 9. According to Paragraph 213 on page 73 of th e Secretariat's Report, Trinidad and Tobago 
indicates the Geographical Indications Act (1996) intr oduced protection for geographical indications in 
the country.  
  (a) In what way does the Geographical Indicati ons Act (1996) of Trin idad and Tobago preserve 
 the legal rights of trademark owners, consistent with Articles 16(1) and 24(5) of the TRIPs 
 Agreement? 
 
 (b) Would Trinidad and Tobago decline an application for a geographical indication that is  confusingly similar to a previously established trademark?           WT/TPR/M/151/Add.1 
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Measures Affecting Production and Trade – Trade-Re lated Intellectual Property Rights – Enforcement  
 10. According to paragraph 218 on  page 74 of the Secretariat's Report, intellectual property cases 
are currently within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Judicature, with a final appeal to the 
Juridical Committee of the Privy Council. 
 
 (a) Has Trinidad and Tobago considered estab lishing or designating a special court with 
 exclusive competency to handle all IPR-related cases, both civil and criminal?   (b) In addition, has Trinidad and Tobago acceded  to the treaty establishing the Caribbean Court 
 of Justice? 
  (c) If not, will it be amending its legislation to replace a final appeal to the Judicial Committee 
 of the Privy Council with a final appeal to th e newly established Caribbean Court of Justice? 
 
11. In regard to paragraph 220 on page 74 of the Secretariat Report,  are there any current plans to 
implement regulations on border measures in accordance with the Trade Marks Act? 
 12. Referring to paragraph 221 on page 74 of the Secretariat Report, are there any plans for 
legislation granting Customs the authority to initiate border measures ex officio without the need for a 
formal complaint from a private party or the right holder? 
 13. In response to questions about copyright en forcement from the United States during the last 
Trade Policy Review, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago stated in WT/TPR/M/49 that “Trinidad and Tobago’s enforcement agencies are addressing th e problem of video and audio cassette piracy and 
are committed to enforcing domestic law in this area.” 
  What specific actions has the Government of Trinidad and Tobago undertaken since the last 
Trade  Policy Review cycle to improve copyright enforcement?  
THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
 
One of the core business’ of the WTO is market opening for goods and services, thereby fostering 
global economic growth and promotin g developing countries’ efforts to fully participate in the global 
economy. Noting the importance of market-opening for goods, and for increasing trade in goods, the 
EC should like to pose the following questions to Trinidad and Tobago.  1.
  TRADE IN GOODS  
 
It is noted in the reports made by both the Governme nt of Trinidad and Tobago and the report prepared 
by the WTO secretariat that Trinidad and Tobago economy is heavily dependent on the hydrocarbons sector. In the WTO secretariats report, page 2 para. 6, it is written that in the context of the Vision 2020 
plan focus will be put on diversifying the economy mainly in six areas. 
 
• Bearing this in mind, the EC should like to further information on what is being done to 
promote growth within the specific sectors, such as manufacturing of goods. 
• Could Trinidad and Tobago clarify its understa nding of a “new technology-based industrial 
sector” and indicate more clearly what the plans are in this respect? 
Tariffs 
 
Noting the importance of public revenues arising from  customs-related duties and charges measures in 
Trinidad and Tobago high tariffs still remain in several areas. WT/TPR/M/151/Add.1 
Page 12  
 
• Has Trinidad and Tobago elaborated a strategy  to address this issue, taking into account the 
steadily lowering of customs-related duties? 
Import licensing 
 
On page 43 para. 62 in the report prepared by the WTO secretariat it is expl ained that, Trinidad and 
Tobago maintain a Negative List including goods subj ect to licensing and that this Negative List is 
revised periodically. It is also mentioned that goods which were on the List in 1998, were still on it in 
late 2004.  
• Could Trinidad and Tobago inform what products or areas are subject to this specific 
administrative formality and also clarify what these formalities imply in reality? 
• Please clarify if any revision of the Negative Li st has taken place since 1998, and if so what 
changes were made.  Are there any plans for further revisions? 
2.
  TRADE IN SERVICES  
 
Tourism 
 
• Would Trinidad and Tobago inform the EC on how much of the FDI attracted by the country in 
the last years, excluding the energy sector, has been in the tourism sector? 
• Would Trinidad and Tobago inform the EC about its plans for improving professional 
education and training related to the tourism sector? 
• The EC should like to know about Trinidad a nd Tobago’s assessment of the effect of the 
tourism sector in overall economic growth a nd employment, and in particular in other 
economic sectors like construction, transport, computer services, education and professional 
training. 
• What is the approach of the government of Tr inidad and Tobago to the regulation of tourism-
related aspects of general interests such as e nvironment, wildlife, urban planning and public 
security? 
• Would Trinidad and Tobago inform the EC about the existing legislation applicable to tour 
managers (professionals accompanying groups of to urists in their travel through the country) 
and tourist guides?  Would Trinidad and  
• Tobago also inform the EC about the plans that the government is considering with the aim of 
reducing or eliminating discrimination of foreign service suppliers in these fields? 
Distribution services 
 
• Would Trinidad and Tobago inform the EC on how many people work in the distribution 
sector and what has been the evolution in the last years? 
• Would Trinidad and Tobago inform the EC on how much of the FDI attracted by the country in 
the last years, excluding the energy sect or, has been in the distribution sector? 
• We would like to know about Trinidad and Tobago’s assessment of the effect of the 
distribution sector in overall economic growth, em ployment and social development, and also          WT/TPR/M/151/Add.1 
Page 13 
 
 
in other economic sectors like construction, transport, computer services, education and 
professional training. 
• Would Trinidad and Tobago inform the EC about  existing legislation applicable to retailing 
services? 
Business services 
 
• Would Trinidad and Tobago inform the EC about  the legislation applicable to the following 
activities and the measures the government is taki ng to ensure non-discrimination of foreign 
suppliers? 
   - Management consulting   - Services related to management consulting 
 
Maritime transport and ports 
 
• Could Trinidad and Tobago provide detailed info rmation on liberalisation steps taken in the 
area of maritime transport? 
 3.
  TRADE FACILITATION  
 
The EC welcomes the use by Trinidad and To bago of some modern customs procedures and 
techniques, including the use of guarantees, in the fo rm of surety bonds, which can play an important 
role in accelerating customs clearance.  Furthermore,  the use of risk management techniques can lead 
to significant benefits. However, the EC notes that  roughly two thirds of all merchandise is still 
inspected at the port of entry.  
• Does Trinidad and Tobago have plans for reforms to try to reduce this figure? 
• What are the main challenges faced by  Trinidad and Tobago in this area? 
The EC has concerns about the obligation to use customs brokers for commercial transactions.  While 
customs brokers can perform the all important role of interface between traders and administrations, traders should have the option to manage the transaction themselves if they prefer. 
 
• Does Trinidad and Tobago have any plans for reforms in this area? 
 
4.
  GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT  
 
Trinidad and Tobago is not a signatory to the WTO plurilateral Agreement on Government 
Procurement. 
 
• Could Trinidad and Tobago provide statistics rega rding awards of contracts for year 2004 or 
2003, detailed by type of contracts (works, s upplies, services), tendering procedure (open, 
selective) and origin (international, local)? 
In paragraph 188, page 68, of the report prepared by the WTO secretariat it is said that consideration is 
being given to the developmen t of policy to encourage participation of small businesses: 
 
• Could the authorities of Trinidad and Tobago  provide more information regarding the 
development of policy to encourag e participation of small business? WT/TPR/M/151/Add.1 
Page 14  
 
Referring to paragraph 193 and 194 of  the report of the WTO Secretariat: 
 
• Could Trinidad and Tobago provide a state of play of the reform of the government 
procurement system and its implementation stage? 
 
5.
  TRADE POLICY STRATEGY  
 
The EC considers that the WTO and multilateral libera lization is the most certain way for all countries 
to promote their interests, and to ensure that su ch interests are promoted in an inclusive manner, 
reflecting the interests of all Members also when  establishing a level “playing-field”.  Noting the 
common interest in promoting a multilateral trade ag enda, the EC should like to ask Trinidad and 
Tobago the following. 
 
Trade policy 
 
• How is the issue of trade being dealt within Tr inidad and Tobago’s national strategies?  Are the 
strategies based on the possibilities for advanci ng the country’s development objectives in the 
context of increasing globalization through trade? 
As already noted by the introduction of the Vision 2020 plan a comprehensive reform and development 
plan could assist Trinidad and Tobago in the upgradi ng of the capacity of the Government of Trinidad 
and Tobago to undertake it’s obligations in international trade related matters. 
 
• Do the government’s strategies, as set out in th e priorities of short, medium and long-term 
objectives for the country, meet these aims? Whic h steps would be taken in order to attract 
coordinated donor involvement in support of the steps envisaged? 
The EC also considers that the WTO and multilateral liberalization is the most certain way for small 
and medium sized countries to promote its interests.  
• How does Trinidad and Tobago judge the relativ e importance and weight of bilateral/FTA 
policies and further development of the WTO system in terms of its own trade and 
development needs? 
• How does Trinidad and Tobago see the development of its trade policies in the context of the 
multilateral system? 
Competition policy 
 
• The EC should like Trinidad and Tobago to inform about the content of the newly adopted 
competition law and the timeframe foreseen to start the implementation of this law?  Also with 
respect to which institutional arrangeme nts are foreseen in this respect? 
Regional trade 
 
Trinidad & Tobago has a wide-ranging trade policy and many other measures affecting trade. Regional trade is an important tool for improving and harvesting the benefits from trade.  In the view of the EC, 
the CARICOM liberalisation plans are important for fostering continued growth. 
 
• How does Trinidad and Tobago assess the possibilit y for carrying out those liberalisation plans 
establishing a free-trade within the CARI COM within the deadline established?          WT/TPR/M/151/Add.1 
Page 15 
 
 
• To what extent is a regional (CARICOM) appro ach taken in developing the following new and 
existing measures: 
 - "elimination or reduction of … import surcharges"; 
 - "automatic or non-automatic import licensing";  - "anti-dumping measures"; 
 - drafting "safeguard legislation" towards imports from outside CARICOM; 
 - "export and investment incentives";  - "competition policy";  - "government procurement" and in particular "the development of a policy to encourage    
     participation of small businesses";  - "intellectual property rights"; 
 - "reform in the financial services sector"; 
 - "telecommunications … legislation … to transform the industry … to a   competitive       environment";  and  - "maritime transport".  
• Which areas are Trinidad and Tobago's prio rities for development under the free trade 
agreement with the Dominican Republic? 
The EC notes that there are a number of excep tions to the CET included in various lists. 
 
• What is the schedule for phasing out of these exceptions and how does Trinidad and Tobago 
assess the impact of the exceptions in rela tion to promoting trade and development? 
Trade and sustainable development 
 In the report prepared by the Government of Trin idad and Tobago it is written that the Governments 
main development goal is for Trinidad and Tobago to  attain developed-country status by 2020, for this 
reason the development plan Vision 2020 was launched. A Vision 2020 Planning Committee was 
established to direct the planning and prepare a National Strategic Development Plan. Based on this information the EC would like to ask the following: 
 
• What plans does Trinidad and Tobago have fo r adoption of policy strategies in order to 
enhance sustainable development?  Does the issu e of trade and sustainable development fit into 
Trinidad and Tobago’s overa ll development strategies? 
• What specific actions have been taken following the Vision 2020 since its adoption? 
The importance of linking trade with sustainable dom estic policies, and in particular employment 
related matters and core labour sta ndards, was confirmed last year by the Final Report of the World 
Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalisation. 
 
• How does Trinidad and Tobago assess the conclusi ons in the report, and does Trinidad and 
Tobago intend to follow up on the various programmes which have been implemented to 
increase employment and address challenges related to social adjustment? 
• How does Trinidad and Tobago assess the possi bilities for increasing trade and development 
while ensuring environmental sustainability? Do es Trinidad and Tobago currently have a 
specific plan addressing this? 
As written above Trinidad and Tobago has adopt ed the Vision 2020 plan advancing the country’s 
development objectives in the context of increasing globalization. WT/TPR/M/151/Add.1 
Page 16  
 
• What is the relationship between this strategy  and the poverty reduction strategy of Trinidad 
and Tobago? 
 The EC is truly aware of the needs that Trinidad a nd Tobago may be facing with regard to further trade 
related assistance. 
 
• Has the need for technical assist ance been further assessed such as to provide an overview and 
a plan of areas are to be further boosted by technical assistance and how much technical assistance is required in each of these areas? Fu rther is the issue of technical assistance 
incorporated in the national trade strategy? 
 
BRAZIL 
 
I. ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 
 (2) MACROECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS 
 
WT/TPR/S, (1), (i), Paragraph 6 
 
1. The Vision 2020 initiative aims at diversifyi ng the economy focusing on six main sectors: 
traditional manufacturing, a new technology-based i ndustrial sector, tourism, financial services, 
agriculture and the small business sector.  What meas ures does Trinidad and Tobago intend to adopt in 
order to accomplish this goal, taking into account th at its economy relies heavily on the energy sector? 
 WT/TPR/S, (1), (iii), Table I.5 
 
2. Table I.5 shows the balance of payments for th e period 1999-2004.  According to it, the surplus 
in the services sector has significantly increased in  2004, especially for transportation and travel 
services, which raised, respectively, from US$85 million (2003) to US$245 million (2004) and from 
US$142 million (2003) to US$332 million (2004).  Could Trinidad and Tobago please explain how 
such outstanding progress in the ser vice trade surplus was obtained? 
 
II. TRADE POLICY REGIME:  FRAMEWORK AND OBJECTIVES 
 (2) (ii) TRADE AND INVESTMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES 
 WT/TPR/S, (2), (ii), Paragraph 14 
 3. It is stated that “Trinidad and Tobago launched the Vision 2020 Planning Exercise in 2002 
with the strategic focus of promoting a high level of  human development and sta ndard of living”.  Also, 
a special Committee has been established to dir ect the planning exercise and prepare a National 
Strategic Development Plan.  In this context, wh at are the economic initiatives envisaged in order to 
implement this planning?  Could Trinidad and T obago provide an assessment of the progress achieved 
so far?  
(3) FOREIGN INVESTMENT REGIME 
 
WT/TPR/S, (2), (iii), Paragraph 22  4. Does Trinidad and Tobago consider, in th e New Investment Legislation current under 
elaboration, the liberalization of foreign direct  investment to water production and distribution? 
          WT/TPR/M/151/Add.1 
Page 17 
 
 
(4) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 
 (iii) OTHER AGREEMENTS AND NEGOTIATIONS 
 
WT/TPR/S, (2), (iv) 
 
5. Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago signed a pref erential trade agreement in June 2001, which 
covers approximately 300 products.  In the view of Trinidad and Tobago, what are the prospects for 
this agreement to enter into force?  III. TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  (3) (iv) EXPORT TAX AND DUTY CONCESSIONS, INCLUDING FREE ZONES 
 
WT/TPR/S, (3), (iv), Paragraph 116 
 
6. It is stated that, in January 2000, the granti ng of export allowances under the Corporation Tax 
Act No. 14 of 1976 was eliminated. Under that Act, “an  export allowance, in the form of a tax credit, 
was granted to locally incorporated companies for exports to non-CARICOM countries of locally 
manufactured or produced goods, services and agricultura l products”.  Has that Act been replaced by 
other mechanisms? 
 
(2) MEASURES AFFECTING IMPORTS 
 
WT/TPR/S/151, (3), (ii), Paragraph 19  
7. According to chapter III, item 19, of WT/TPR/S/151, Trinidad and Tobago maintains 
preferential rules of origin.  In the event that a cer tificate of origin is required from exporting countries, 
what authorities would be responsible for issuing it?  WT/TPR/S, (3), (iv), Paragraph 35  
8. According to the Secretariat Report, the list of  products subject to surcharges has been trimmed 
gradually.  However, surcharges on the import of poultry and sugar are still in place and, as a result, the 
compound rate in some cases is higher than the bound rates established during the Uruguay Round.  
Are there any plans for the complete  elimination of these surcharges? 
 
WT/TPR/S/151, (3), (vi), Paragraph 61 
 9. According to paragraph 61, the import prohibition list includes unrefined sugar not 
manufactured in Trinidad and Tobago, which can  only be imported with the permission of the 
President.  Since unrefined sugar does not seem to  meet the conditions that would justify import 
prohibition (moral issues, security, prevention of  diseases, curbing smuggling), could Trinidad and 
Tobago inform whether it intends to eliminate sugar from the mentioned list? 
 10. As regards chapter III, item 63, of WT/ TPR/S/151, could Trinidad and Tobago provide 
information on the administrative pro cedure costs of the licensing process? 
 WT/TPR/M/151/Add.1 
Page 18  
 
WT/TPR/S/151, (3), (v), Paragraph 132  11. According to the text, “the Service Policy is  aimed at protecting the exporting service provider 
against payment failure by the overseas customers due to unforeseen commercial or political risk.  
Services covered by this policy include engineering, information technology, ad vertising, training, and 
music production.  Coverage is set at 95% of th e insured shipment”.  Could Trinidad and Tobago 
provide more information about the measures taken to assist the above-mentioned sectors? 
 
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
 
(6) SERVICES  
WT/TPR/S, (4), (iii), Paragraph 120  12. Regarding the Telecommunications Sector, the Secretariat Report states that “the market may 
only be completely liberalized as from 1 July 2005,  since the Telecommunications Act allows for all 
rights and obligations under the Telephone Act,  which include the ex clusive license to TSTT 
(Telecommunication Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited), to remain in force for one year after the entry into effect of the Telecommunications Ac t”.  This act is aimed at transforming a virtual 
monopoly, in which TSTT is the principal provider of  telecommunications service, into a competitive 
environment.  What are the prospects for telecom liberalization now that July 1st deadline is passed? 
 
WT/TPR/S, (4), (iv), Paragraph 153  13. What have been the benefits of the reform in the Tourism Development Act? 
 MEXICO  
Se solicita a Trinidad y Tobago responder a las siguientes preguntas formuladas con base en lo 
señalado en el documento WT/TPR/S/151 , de fecha 17 de agosto del presente año: 
 
IV. POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES, POR SECTORES / 1) SERVICIOS 
 
En el párrafo 4 se indica que en junio de 2005 Trinidad  y Tobago presentó su oferta inicial de servicios, 
en la cual incorporó compromisos de apertura en el sector de tele comunicaciones en los cuatro modos 
de prestación de servicios, sin embargo, en servicios  financieros mantiene los ya reflejados en el 
AGCS. ¿Cuál es la razón por la cual no hay mayor ap ertura en los servicios financieros si es uno de sus 
principales sectores? 
 
IV. POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES, POR SECTORES / 1) SERVICIOS / ii) Servicios 
Financieros, 
 
Los bancos comerciales han predominado en el me rcado financiero, sin embargo, las instituciones 
financieras no bancarias han desempeñadp un pa pel significativo en el sector financiero. 
Especificamente cuáles son las principales medidas del marco legislativo que se incorporar en el 
“White Paper”. (párrafo 9)  
IV. POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES, POR SECTORES / 1) SERVICIOS /iii) Telecomunicaciones  
 
En el Acta de Telecomunicaciones 2001 (Párrafo 46) está considerado el estable cimiento de un marco 
normativo y la formulación de una política de  privatización y competencia del sector?          WT/TPR/M/151/Add.1 
Page 19 
 
 
IV. POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES, POR SECTORES / 1) SERVICIOS /vi) Turismo 
 
Párrafo 82, en el marco del AGCS Trinidad y Toba go contrajo sólo compromisos en construcción de 
hoteles y resorts, directores de hoteles y tour opera dores. Sin embargo, debido al gran impulso que se le 
dará a la industria del turismo a México le interesa conocer si habrá apertura en otros subsectores como 
servicios de agencias de viajes y organización de viajes en grupo; servicios de albergues juveniles y 
campamento temporal; servicios de moteles en los cuales no tiene compromisos.  Trinidad y Tobago estaría interesada en recibir asist encia técnica de México en áreas estratégicas como 
turismo náutico (ventanillas marítimas), turismo de  convenciones y congresos, así como cruceros, en 
las cuales nuestro país está logrando resultados satisfactorios? 
 
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