UNCTAD and Ministry of Finance Sign Agreement to Modernise Customs Systems

Government of Trinidad and Tobago and UNCTAD Sign Agreement to Modernise Customs Operations through ASYCUDA System

Port of Spain – 7 October 2025 -- 

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have signed a new partnership to modernise the country’s customs operations through the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA). The agreement, signed at the Ministry of Finance, marks a major milestone in efforts to improve trade facilitation, strengthen revenue collection, and create a more transparent, efficient customs environment.

Developed by UNCTAD, ASYCUDA is a globally recognised customs management system that automates trade and transport procedures in line with international standards. The 18-month, USD 1.75 million project will deploy the latest ASYCUDA World modules and the ASYHUB data exchange platform at the Customs and Excise Division to expand paperless processing, reduce clearance times and costs, and provide real-time trade data. The systems will enhance risk management, cargo control, and interoperability among port and cargo operators, while enabling pre-arrival and pre-departure processing to expedite legitimate trade. Improved data analytics will also support evidence-based policymaking, strengthen border security, and reduce revenue losses—advancing a more efficient and competitive trade environment.

Honourable Davendranath Tancoo, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, highlighted the central role of customs in national revenue generation and emphasised the importance of efficiency and integrity. He described the signing as a timely achievement for the country, humorously noting its coincidence with his birthday, and announced plans to reference the reform in his 13 October National Budget presentation as a key initiative to improve public finance management and trade operations.

From Geneva, Mr. Renaud Massenet, Head of UNCTAD’s ASYCUDA Programme, commended Trinidad and Tobago’s long-standing partnership with UNCTAD since 1993, noting its contributions to the system’s development. He said the new phase will equip the country with state-of-the-art customs technology aligned with global best practice and mentioned the upcoming UNCTAD Quadrennial Conference, where Trinidad and Tobago will participate at ministerial level.

Mr. Jaime Mendoza Terceros of UNCTAD added that the initiative will strengthen the business environment, support customs officers, and boost trade efficiency—delivering tangible benefits for both government and private sector.

Ms. Joanna Kazana, UN Resident Coordinator for Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, placed the initiative within a broader regional shift toward data-driven governance, noting last week’s CARICOM-UNCTAD regional agreement to enhance trade data and resilience. She added that other UN Country Team members, including ECLAC, will provide trade statistics and analysis to support evidence-based policy and decision-making.

Minister Tancoo closed the ceremony expressing confidence that ASYCUDA will resolve long-standing operational challenges and transform how Trinidad and Tobago manages trade, collects revenue, and supports business competitiveness. The signing concluded with a shared sense of optimism, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to innovation, transparency, and sustainable development.