00:00So the manufacturing sector, many times I recommended the manufacturing sector for the ORTT.
00:05Well, nobody listens to that, but I think you all deserve the ORTT.
00:08It has been carrying the economy in many regards.
00:11Economist Professor Roger Hossein speaking during the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association's post-budget forum at the Hyatt Regency in
00:19Port of Spain.
00:20We are crossing over into an interesting year.
00:24So let's assume most of these gas projects come on stream at the end of next year.
00:31Therefore, by about May, the roti shop and the man selling pudding and the person producing various things to sell
00:41in the economy would have to start to put in place an additional worker, an extension to their shop and
00:49whatnot,
00:49so that they slowly start to prepare for the increase in economic activity that comes at the end of next
00:56year.
00:57Professor Hossein made reference to the government's expectation of natural gas supplies from Venezuela in fiscal 2027,
01:04as well as the pending supply from offshore projects in Trinidad and Tobago's waters.
01:09Basically, the way I read the budget is hold on for gas.
01:15You know, the way I read the budget is hold on for gas.
01:18And that's what I would say to you all.
01:21We substantively have to hold on for gas and prepare.
01:25Well, what you shouldn't do, you shouldn't miscalculate the timing of when you inject capital into your own firm
01:37in order to benefit from the increase in gas production and hence economic activity in Trinidad.
01:43However, Professor Hossein highlighted the areas he would like to see addressed during the government's 2026-2027 financial year
01:51as he also spoke about offshore gas projects such as what the government is now calling Manatee Plus
01:57as well as the labor force participation level of 55%.
02:02If I were made minister of planning for one hour, I don't think I would last more than an hour.
02:10I would go heavily after the labor force participation rate.
02:15I would hone in on it with technical rigour.
02:18I would plan and I would put in place mechanisms to bring it to 68%.
02:23I would go after overnight tourism with great detail
02:27and I would put in place mechanisms to bring it to Sermon and John 50,000 by 2035.
02:33Professor Hossein said based on his research of the last four IMF reports,
02:38Trinidad and Tobago's economy is, end quote, a turnaround movement, end quote.
02:43Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
