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Bill payment service SurePay will officially end its operations in Trinidad and Tobago on March 15 after 21 years, PBS Technologies has announced. In a release issued yesterday, PBS Technologies assured customers that all SurePay transactions made up until March 15 will remain safe. SurePay is a system that allows customers to pay bills for various service providers, including the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC), the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT), and Digicel. “All bills paid up until this time will be processed with the usual speed, security, and reliability associated with SurePay. We are deeply grateful to our billers and collection point agents for their partnership over the years. Most importantly, we thank our valued customers for their trust and support over the past two decades,” the release said. As of last February, SurePay operated 34 branches locally. The release stated that this change only applies to SurePay’s operations in Trinidad and Tobago and does not affect its services in other markets. “Please note that this change applies only to SurePay operations in Trinidad and Tobago and does not impact SurePay services in other regions, which remain fully operational,” it stated. Read More: https://lnkd.in/eXQsbZx9

The scrap metal industry has reiterated its ongoing concern about delays in obtaining export licences. In response to these concerns, the Trade and Industry Ministry issued a statement on February 20 saying the application processing continues and any delays experienced are caused by incorrect applications and failure to comply with the law. The Trade Ministry said, "Since the reopening of the industry on February 24, 2023, the Trade Licence Unit (TLU) has processed 853 export licence applications for scrap metal and facilitated 1,325 notices of intent and loadings. "The TLU has indicated that an application for an export licence for scrap metal can be processed in as little as one day. However, any delays experienced by scrap metal dealers are a result of failures to comply with the laws and regulations, including the submission of incomplete or inaccurate documentation." The release said the TLU conducts a thorough review of applications to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. It said queries are issued to applicants to rectify or submit applications in cases where they are incomplete, have incorrect tariff codes or lack invoices from the consignee. It said applications can only be processed upon receipt of complete and corrected submissions. "The TLU remains committed to working closely with all applicants to facilitate a smooth and efficient process. Additionally, the ministry continues to enhance the efficiency of the legislative and regulatory framework, as demonstrated by the launch of two new e-services on August 30, 2024, for the application of scrap metal collector’s licences and scrap metal dealer’s licences." The ministry said further improvements will be implemented in March with the launch of e-services. These services will allow applicants to apply electronically for permits for shipment, alteration of scrap metal, scrap metal permits for the shipment of broken machinery direct from the place where stored and scrap metal notices of intention to load and fit for shipping certificate. Read More:  https://lnkd.in/et5HGGYf

CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean and the Government of Barbados have signed a US$75 million financing agreement to advance cultural heritage preservation, tourism, and modernisation of related infrastructure. The signing took place between Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley and Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF on the margins of the 48th Caricom Heads of Government Meeting in Barbados. CAF said the agreement supports the expansion of heritage tourism as part of Barbados’ national development strategy. “It will finance key initiatives under the Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny (ROAD) Program, which aims to deepen Barbados and the Caribbean’s connection to their rich history – fostering a better understanding of the past to shape a more equitable and prosperous future for all Barbadians. “The ROAD initiative was first announced by Prime Minister Mottley in December 2021, who described it as a moral imperative and an economic necessity. Barbados is recognised globally as the custodian of a significant collection of the records related to the transatlantic slave trade,” the release stated. It said key components of the initiative include support for the ROAD programme, the development of an Amphitheatre project at the National Botanical Gardens, and the modernisation of the country’s airport infrastructure. Read More:  https://lnkd.in/euNUQ7k8

In a bold move to enhance the global competitiveness of its SMEs, Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade has unveiled the Gemini Academy, a groundbreaking initiative designed to help SMEs harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform their operations and expand into international markets. Developed in collaboration with Google Indonesia, the program aims to equip local businesses with cutting-edge tools and knowledge to innovate, streamline processes, and thrive in an increasingly digital economy. The Gemini Academy is a testament to Indonesia’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting its vibrant SME sector, which plays a critical role in the nation’s economy. The program targets both export-oriented and non-export SMEs, offering tailored training to help businesses optimise their operations, reduce costs, and enhance their competitiveness on the global stage. Minister of Trade Budi Santoso emphasised the transformative potential of the initiative, stating, “By integrating AI into their business strategies, SMEs will gain valuable insights into market trends and consumer preferences. “This will enable them to refine their product offerings, improve marketing efforts, and ultimately achieve sustainable growth.” Read More:  https://lnkd.in/e4wjqiJE

Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, today announced the launch of the Collaborative Shipping Tool. This new digital tool simplifies the import process for customers by enabling seamless collaboration during Airway Bill (AWB) creation between importers and shippers, enhancing overall efficiency when moving goods across the globe[1]. Global merchandise trade is set to increase by 3%, with Imports in Asia projected to grow by 5.1% in 2025[2]. China also holds significant potential for import growth. In 2024, China’s imports reached 18.39 trillion yuan, and it is expected to maintain its position as the world’s second-largest importer[3]. According to study by the International Trade Centre, failed pickups and lack of shipment visibility are among the top challenges faced by importers globally[4]. Such inefficiencies directly impact business operations, underscoring the need for digital solutions like the Collaborative Shipping tool. This shipping tool allows importers to share the Airway Bill (AWB) creation process directly with shippers, enabling them to confirm shipment details and schedule pickups based on their readiness. This collaborative feature is designed to improve the success rate of shipment pickups, ensuring greater efficiency in the import journey. “As global supply chains grow increasingly complex, businesses must adopt smarter logistics solutions to remain competitive,” said Salil Chari, senior vice president of Marketing and Customer Experience, FedEx Asia Pacific. “At FedEx, we’re leading the way by leveraging digital innovation to help our customers anticipate challenges and navigate the changing marketplace. The Collaborative Shipping Tool fosters seamless collaboration between importers and shippers, allowing businesses to optimize their supply chains and reduce inefficiencies. By simplifying imports, we’re not just enhancing operations—we’re shaping the future of logistics.” “China is the core engine of global trade. As its import volume continues to expand, the demand for enhanced efficiency and visibility in cross-border transportation is accelerating,” said Poh-Yian Koh, senior vice president of FedEx and president of FedEx China. “By providing local customers with a streamlined solution to manage inbound shipments digitally, the Collaborative Shipping Tool simplifies the way Chinese customers connect with international shippers, enabling more efficient management of their global supply chains. With ongoing improvements like this, FedEx is shaping a smarter supply chain for all businesses and facilitating the seamless movement of goods from and to China.” Read More: https://lnkd.in/eHXa_tdR

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For the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Agostini Group's Revenue increased by nine per cent from $1.36 billion to $1.48 billion. Chairman Christian Mouttet said profit attributable to shareholders decreased by two per cent from $69 million to $68 million, resulting in Earnings per share for the quarter of $0.98 vs $1.00 for the same period last year. He noted that overall revenue growth was strong for the quarter, partially due to recent acquisitions, but profitability was impacted by tighter conditions in the Trinidad and Tobago market. This was further affected by restructuring and other associated costs related to the streamlining recent acquisitions in Trinidad & Tobago and the region, and putting in place an organisational structure to better serve customers and partners. The Consumer Products business was largely impacted, while the Pharmaceutical & Healthcare and Energy & Industrial businesses delivered improved results. Mouttet noted two announcements in alignment with the Group’s regional go to-market strategy. “Firstly, we have entered into an agreement with the Massy Group to acquire Massy Distribution Jamaica Limited. When this acquisition is completed, it will provide our Group with our first Consumer Products business in Jamaica, and will significantly add to our Pharmaceutical & Healthcare business in the largest market in the English-speaking Caribbean. Secondly, the Group has embarked on a major regional exercise to rebrand our Pharmaceutical & Healthcare distribution companies, and Caribbean Distribution Partners Limited (COP), our joint venture Consumer Products business. Read More: https://lnkd.in/epFqqdMs

The redesigned coat of arms, featuring the pan instead of Christopher Columbus’ ships, has been integrated into the new-look $100 polymer bill at no additional cost, according to the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago. The newly designed $100 bill will enter public circulation by September. “Other changes compared to the 2019 Series involve a larger security strip incorporating recent banknote technology with, among other things, the Bird of Paradise in iridescent ink in a larger see-through ‘window’ with holographic elements,” an advertisement in today’s newspaper has said. The introduction of the new $100 polymer bill was initially set for December, but was postponed to this year due to the decision to redesign the country’s coat of arms. The current $100 bill in circulation was issued in December 2019, making it the first in the country’s suite of polymer banknotes. Last year the Central Bank indicated it planned to introduce a 2024 series of the $100 banknote around December, after five years. However, in its progress report for the Strategic Plan 2021/22–2025/26, published in September last year, the Central Bank stated that while the first update of the $100 polymer banknote was on track, with the concept design shared with commercial banks, its launch had been rescheduled for 2025. It is now known as the 2025 series. “The milestones and activities set out in the original schedule between April and September 2024 for the update of this largest denomination were all met. In particular, the commercial banks received the concept design, and De La Rue International, the banknote printers, completed the incorporation of the security features as agreed,” it stated. Read More: https://lnkd.in/eB3d_9EQ

Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, says he does not support the criteria of a selected category of persons being afforded the opportunity to move and work freely within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), insisting that such a privilege should be given to every Caribbean national. CARICOM leaders will open their three-day summit in Barbados from Wednesday, and Skerrit, speaking at a news conference here, said that the issue of free movement under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) will be an agenda item. Under the CSME, which allows for the free movement of goods, skills, labour, and services across the region, only university graduates, artists, musicians, media workers, sportspeople, nurses, teachers, artisans, holders of associate degrees, and domestic workers benefit from the provision. “At this conference of heads we would be discussing many issues including the free movement. As you know I have been advancing the cause of the free movement of all people in the CARICOM. Read More: https://lnkd.in/ebGmJd8X

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups has begun supporting export small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in response to external environmental changes, such as the tariff measures of the second administration of Donald Trump in the United States. It operates an 'Issue Reporting Center' nationwide and specially manages more than 50 export items that are likely to be affected by the U.S. tariff policies. Policy funds will also be supplied to overseas corporations to support responses to the restructuring of global supply chains. On the 18th, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced the '2025 export support plan for small and venture enterprises' at the sixth export strategy meeting chaired by Acting President and Minister of Strategy and Finance Choi Sang-mok. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups decided to operate 'Issue Reporting Centers' at 15 export support centers nationwide and to specially manage approximately 50 items. Emergency management stabilization funds will be provided to SMEs facing management crises. If necessary, the support limit for export voucher logistics costs will also be raised from 30 million won to 40 million won. The evaluation procedures for policy funds will be simplified for SMEs promoting export diversification. As part of the response to the restructuring of global supply chains, 60 billion won will also be provided to overseas corporations in policy funds. Guarantees for companies expanding overseas will be significantly increased from 10 billion won to 30 billion won. An 'Overseas Expansion Support Base' will also be established in Silicon Valley, U.S. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups will work to establish a robust export structure for SMEs that is not shaken by external environmental changes. It plans to nurture 1,000 corporations with export amounts over $1 million this year. Previously, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups stated that it aims to cultivate 3,000 corporations with export amounts over $1 million by 2027. Read More: https://lnkd.in/eeVArTBr