The Trinidad and Tobago Special Economic Zones Authority (TTSEZA) regulates and facilitates the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to support investment and economic diversification.
SEZs are designated areas that offer targeted incentives, streamlined regulatory processes, and infrastructure support to encourage business growth, trade, and industrial activity. These zones are structured to attract investment, support enterprise development, and create employment opportunities.
Types of Special Economic Zones
Free Ports
A duty free area, located at a port of entry where imported goods may be unloaded for warehousing, repackaging or processing of imported goods for value-adding activities, and logistics services.
Free Trade Zones (FTZs)
A duty free area that accommodates specific activities targeted for international trade.
Development Zone
Activities focused on the development of a specific geographic region with emphasis on factors such as employment, skills training, entrepreneurship and rural development and overall social and economic development of the area.
Industrial Parks
A purpose built industrial estate that leverages domestic and foreign fixed direct investment in manufacturing industries and logistics and distribution.
Specialised Zone
A place designated for specialised activities, including— (i) manufacturing; (ii) maritime services; (iii) aviation services; (iv) fishing and fish processing; (v) agriculture and agro processing; (vi) information and communications technology; (vii) creative industries; (viii) financial services; (ix) medical tourism services; (x) renewable energy; (xi) logistics and distribution; and (xii) business process outsourcing.
Technology Parks
As engines of digital innovation and knowledge-based industries, Technology Parks are designed for information and communication technology (ICT), research and development (R&D), and emerging technology enterprises. These zones facilitate collaborations between tech firms, universities, and startups, accelerating advancements in software development, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.
Specialised Zone
A place designated for specialised activities, including— (i) manufacturing; (ii) maritime services; (iii) aviation services; (iv) fishing and fish processing; (v) agriculture and agro processing; (vi) information and communications technology; (vii) creative industries; (viii) financial services; (ix) medical tourism services; (x) renewable energy; (xi) logistics and distribution; and (xii) business process outsourcing.
Eligibility Criteria for the Assessment of Licences
To qualify for an SEZ designation, businesses must align with TTSEZA’s economic, investment, and operational standards, including:
- An applicant under subsection (3) shall satisfy the prescribed economic substance test in relation to all permitted economic activities to be undertaken in the Special Economic Zone.
- An economic substance test shall be applied by the Authority to determine whether the proposed operating expenditure, qualified full-time personnel and the level and quality of investment of an applicant are adequate, necessary and relevant in relation to its proposed core income generating activities and the size and nature of its proposed operations.
- Economic Impact – Enhancing industrialisation, trade, and business growth.
- Employment & Skill Development – Creating jobs and fostering workforce expertise.
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Attraction – Encouraging international business partnerships.
- Innovation & Sustainability – Supporting technological advancement and responsible business practices.
- Infrastructure Development – Establishing world-class facilities for investment.
TTSEZA evaluates applications based on feasibility, sector alignment, and regulatory compliance to ensure the success of each SEZ.
TTSEZA
TTSEZA provides businesses with the expert guidance and regulatory support necessary to navigate the SEZ application process, optimise business operations, and leverage investment incentives.
Take the next step in establishing your business in a Special Economic Zone.
