00:00The Employers' Consultative Association says the 2025-2026 national budget presents a high-ambition agenda,
00:10one that could reposition the state as a modern, service-oriented platform rather than a bureaucratic gatekeeper.
00:18In a statement issued this morning, the association praised the government's focus on institutional reform,
00:24digital transformation, and improving tax and customs administration, noting that these steps could reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and boost business confidence.
00:36Among the highlights for the ECA, the move toward electronic payments at customs, the planned upgrade of the executor system, and the promise to clear VAT refund backlogs.
00:48It also commended the proposed Economic Resilience Council and Financial Oversight and Appropriations Committee as positive signs of transparency and accountability.
01:00But the ECA says the budget fell short in key areas, particularly workforce development.
01:06It's calling for greater investment in technical and vocational training, apprenticeship programs, and skills development for emerging industries like renewable energy.
01:18The association also flagged concerns about persistent issues at the industrial court and the risks posed by unaddressed public sector contract employment trends.
01:30On crime, the ECA says it welcomes stronger action and improves statistics, but insists that national security spending must now deliver measurable outcomes.
01:40And while it supports reforms to the national insurance system, the ECA warns that increased contribution rates should not penalize compliant employers without first addressing gaps in compliance and informality.
01:55The association says it will continue to review the budget documents as the debate unfolds in the coming weeks.
02:01It adds, if the government's ambitious goals are matched by disciplined delivery, Trinidad and Tobago could see significant progress in creating a more efficient, competitive economy.
02:14Arvishita Wari, Rupanarayan, TV6 News.
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