Foreign Direct Investment 2020

(An extract from Foreign Direct Investment 2020)

The World Bank forecasts global growth, as continued to soften in 2019. Subdued investment in emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) is dampening potential growth prospects. Risks to the outlook remain firmly on the downside, including the possibility of escalating trade tensions. Another concern is rising debt, which may make it difficult for EMDEs to respond to adverse developments and to finance growth-enhancing investments. The International Monetary Fund (IMF): Global growth is forecast at 3.0 percent for 2019, its lowest level since 2008–09 and a 0.3 percentage point downgrade from the April 2019 World Economic Outlook. Growth is projected to pick up to 3.4 percent in 2020 (a 0.2 percentage point downward revision compared with April), reflecting primarily a projected improvement in economic performance in a number of emerging markets in Latin America, the Middle East, and emerging and developing Europe that are under macroeconomic strain.

People drive Diversification

(An extract from Foreign Direct Investment 2020)



Historical Economist will point out many successes and failures which proves that diversification is more about tax revenue collection than increasing local opportunities and jobs. As the world became a more connected place, through electronic technological advances in intelligence, communication and transportation, worldwide competition destroyed mid-central opportunities and jobs. Today, economic drivers consolidate, in locations of the finish product, essential raw material inputs and employ, global communication and transportation strategies, in its distribution channels. The future must, therefore, adapt to the movement of highly educated, skilled and talented people, following the sustainable development, growth opportunities and their dependable jobs.

Governance 2020

(An extract from Foreign Direct Investment 2020)

This category, allocated 4.31% of the nation’s total expenditure, as reported by the office of the Auditor General 2018 and 4.21% in the 2019 revised estimates, while estimating 5.55% for 2020 up by 41.43%, as published by the Ministry of Finance, consist of positions, offices, agencies and ministries that monitors good, moral and ethical, behavior. Noting that, A nation's development is badly hindered and retarded by individual greed; corrupt public officers, bias reporting, unfair hiring practices, slow justice, unbalance dispute settlements, unlawful opinions, compromised records, a lack of transparency, general back room dealings, selling executive influence, misusing presidential privilege, laws to benefit the few rather than the many, practices and actions which have to be avoided, rooted out, dealt with and, ultimately replaced by Good Governance.

Fiscal Policy 2020

(An extract from Foreign Direct Investment 2020)

Investment, Employment and Social Benefits are the opportunities essential for nation building. However, the nation's capability to earn from its present or projected revenue streams, increasing productivity, currently carries much less influence, when compared to the nation's power or ability to borrow and, of course, service and repay the debt. In other words, it is presently easier to borrow than to diversify. Fiscal policy, functioning on a budgetary allocation; 32.48% of the nation’s total expenditure, as reported by the office of the Auditor General 2018 and 33.74% in the 2019 revised estimates, while estimating 31.46% for 2020 down by 0.01%, as published by the Ministry of Finance.

Economic Drivers 2020

(An extract from Foreign Direct Investment 2020)

The nation's revenue, to fund the service of the nation and offset its total annual expenditure, comes from the collections of taxes, duties and royalties, Returns on Investment and Sale of Assets. Such revenue generating activities are encouraged and facilitated via Economic Drivers, which designs, implements and reviews the conditions for investment, employment and, the resulting, recurrent taxation. Operating on 3.55% of the nation's total expenditure, as reported by the office of the Auditor General 2018 and 3.70% in the 2019 revised estimates, while estimating 4.64% for 2020 up by 34.28%, as published by the Ministry of Finance. Economic Drivers are administered by the Ministries of Energy and Energy Industries, Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries, Planning and Development, Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Labour and Small Enterprise Development, Trade and Industries, and Tourism.

Infrastructure Management 2020

(An extract from Foreign Direct Investment 2020)

It has been long realized and accepted that Infrastructure Management directly affects productivity; outputs driven by comfortable and safe work and play spaces, such as; water and electricity, industrial parks, administration offices, community centers, open parks, transport hubs, roads and bridges, etc. Utilizing 20.75% of the nation’s total expenditure, as reported by the office of the Auditor General 2018 and 19.73% in the 2019 revised estimates, while estimating 18.69% for 2020 up by 1.55%, as published by the Ministry of Finance, the Infrastructure Management category consist of the ministries of Public Utilities, Works and Transport, the Tobago House of Assembly, the ministries of Rural Development and Local Government, and Housing and Urban Development.

Human Development 2020

(An extract from Foreign Direct Investment 2020)

The progress of any country, nation, society is driven by its human resource and the development of such; its citizenry, its people, its skills and talents. Noting that, growth industries and job creation are as a direct result of investment in ideas, and the only true source of ideas is the human being. A population that is educated, healthy, well-adjusted as a society, contributing in the community, supporting culture and the arts, participating in competitive sport and encouraging the youth, will build and maintain a happy, respectful, caring and sharing nation. The Human Development category consist of budgetary allocations, 28.91% of the nation’s total expenditure, as reported by the office of the Auditor General 2018 and 29.18% in the 2019 revised estimates, while estimating 28.83% up by 5.95% for 2020, as published estimates by the Ministry of Finance.

Resource Preservation 2020

(An extract from Foreign Direct Investment 2020)

This refers to the approved budgetary allocation of public expenditure dedicated to protecting and preserving the nation's assets; its people, its property, its peace. Resource Preservation comprises funds, 10.01% of the nation’s total expenditure as reported by the Auditor General 2018 and 9.45% in the revised estimates 2019 and 10.83% up by 22.97% in 2020 published estimates by the Ministry of Finance, to enact the policies of the Ministry of National Security, its arms and divisions, along with the crime interjection strategies of the Police Service, whose expenditure is independently control by the Police Commissioner. While the Defence Forces policies and funding are administered and overseen by the Ministry. The non-executive President of the nation is the Commander and Chief of the Defence Forces, further subdivided into the Regiment, the Coast Guard and Air Guard, with reserves and other specialty arms and initiatives. 

National Budget

Many suggestions were mentioned in the Oct 7, 2019 Budget Speech. The inclusion of multi-year forecasting was mentioned. The assignment of lands to construction contractors to build low cost housing was included. But the public has long recognized that many subjects mentioned and included in Budget Presentations can be long-term objectives, dependent on resources or just Political Promises. Giving an opinion the day after this Budget is fruitless, unprofessional and mostly seen as political bating. The first assessment of the figures, laid in parliament and not yet approved, must be to verify the actuals that new estimates are anchored too. Hence, A multi-year Review of the Economy is essential.

TT Mid-Year Revised Estimates 2019

Trinidad & Tobago (TT Mid-Year Review 2019) Ministry of Finance states in its (May 3, 2019) Presentation of the 2019 Mid-Year Budget Review; “Total expenditure has been revised upwards to $52.07 billion, an increase of approximately $300 million over the budgeted 2019 expenditure of $51.77 billion.” Whereas, on the said site, in its (Oct 1, 2018) Budget Statement 2019; Estimates of total expenditure is recorded at TT$55,582,977,415 with a foot note stating, “Development Programme Expenditure of $2,402,453,000 excludes the sum of $2,797,547,000 which is funded from the Infrastructure Development fund.”

TT Mid-Year Review 2019

The World Bank forecasts global growth, after reaching 3.1 percent in both 2017 and 2018, is expected to decelerate to 2.9 percent in 2019 and over the next two years as global slack dissipates, major central banks remove policy accommodation, and the recovery in commodity exporters matures. Moderating activity and heightened risks are clouding global economic prospects. International trade and investment have softened, trade tensions remain elevated, and some large emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) have experienced financial market pressures.

The Word "Budget"

Budget means different things to many people, generally thinking of access to spending money. A 15-year-old student, on an allowance, thinks of daily current expenses. A scholarship winner, studying to attend lectures and hand in assignments, parties and thinks of funding the next party. A person in their twenties with young children or suddenly made responsible for family dependents, thinks of providing schedules. A financially trained individual would focus on income, revenue generation and collection to replenish planned expenditure. An academically trained individual, charged with the responsibility of prioritizing national development goals, thinks of outcomes. So, for all, what is needed is a guide that will help in this most essential financial development.

Foreign Direct Investment 2019

The World Bank forecasts global growth, after reaching 3.1 percent in both 2017 and 2018, is expected to decelerate over the next two years as global slack dissipates, major central banks remove policy accommodation, and the recovery in commodity exporters matures. Amid moderating international trade and tightening global financing conditions, growth in emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) is projected to plateau, reaching 4.7 percent in 2019 and 2020, up from 4.5 percent in 2018. The International Monetary Fund (IMF): The steady expansion under way since mid-2016 continues, with global growth for 2018–19 projected to remain at its 3.7 percent for 2017 level. At the same time, however, the expansion has become less balanced and may have peaked in some major economies. Downside risks to global growth have risen in the past six months and the potential for upside surprises has receded.

Diversifying for Growth 2019

(An extract from Foreign Direct Investment 2019)

Diversification of Economic Revenue income must start with Entrepreneurs. Risk-Takers, Idea Promoters, persons with natural and developed Talents and Skills, who are found throughout the Human Race and across the world’s geography. These are the individuals, the sources, the ideas, inventions and innovations to form and build future industries. These are the people, the researchers, the students showing Talents and Skills that Grants and Scholarship Funds, and Universities pursue. International Business and Governments of Developing Countries also seek such people and their ideas to; start, change and improve Business Processes, Sectors and Industries, in the hope of Expanding Operations and Diversifying Economies, while increasing the very essential revenue income.

Governance 2019

(An extract from Foreign Direct Investment 2019)

A nation, the majority of its population, with a clear understanding of the structure and responsibility of society will benefit from lower crime rates, a fairer distribution of wealth, and many more people, for the right reasons, offering themselves for public office. An indoctrination takes place upon joining new (educational or work) institutions; outlining code of ethics and procedural guidelines to direct acceptable behavior and maintain order. Governance is even more important and necessary for nation building. Hence, the need for civics lessons throughout the voting population. This category, allocated 4.33% of the nation’s total expenditure, as reported by the office of the Auditor General 2017 and 4.49% in the 2018 revised estimates, while estimating 4.69% for 2019 up by 6.75%, as published by the Ministry of Finance, consist of positions, offices, agencies and ministries that monitors good, moral and ethical, behavior. Such as; Ministry of Public Administration with The Personnel Department, Ministry of Communications, The Judiciary & The Industrial Court, Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, Other Heads of Expenditure involved in Governance, The Office of the Prime Minister, and The President & The Parliament.

Fiscal Policy 2019

(An extract from Foreign Direct Investment 2019)

The nation, the state, the citizenry, the people must be taught and constantly reminded to appreciate that their very well-being, their basic standard of living, and any expansion in their nation’s economy depends on sound fiscal policy. The means by which spending adjustments to Resource Preservation, Human Development, Infrastructure Management, Economic Drivers, Fiscal Policy and Governance are made bringing expenditure into line with expected revenues to influence economic growth, controlled by the elected branch of Government, the executive cabinet, under the direction of a Minister of Finance. Fiscal policy, functioning on a budgetary allocation; 30.15% of the nation’s total expenditure, as reported by the office of the Auditor General 2017 and 32.48 in the 2018 revised estimates, while estimating 30.19% for 2019 down by 4.91%, as published by the Ministry of Finance. This category, comprises the Ministry of Finance, Charges on Account of the Public Debt and Pensions and Gratuities, must focus efforts on increasing productivity and revenue collection while, reducing the nation's debt and debt servicing expense.

Economic Drivers 2019

(An extract from Foreign Direct Investment 2019)

The nation's revenue generating activities are encouraged and facilitated via Economic Drivers, which designs, implement and review the conditions for investment, employment and, the resulting, taxation earnings. Economic Drivers operated on 4.17% of the nation’s total expenditure, as reported by the office of the Auditor General 2017 and 3.39% in the 2018 revised estimates, while estimating 4.53% for 2019 up by 36.74%, as published by the Ministry of Finance. These Economic Drivers are administered by the Ministries of Planning and Development, Energy and Energy Industries, Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Labour and Small Enterprise Development, Tourism, Trade and Industries, Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries. The resulting, taxation earnings revenue, to offset its total annual expenditure, comes from the collections of taxes, duties and royalties; taxes on (personal income) salaries and wages, on (consumption) sales and value added, on (operations) business levy and green fund, on (corporation) profits, etc.

Infrastructure Management 2019

(An extract from Foreign Direct Investment 2019)

In times of economic growth, infrastructure should be expanded. In times of economic declines, infrastructure must be preserved; efficiently utilized and maintained. The nation’s housing stock, buildings and general monuments, water and electricity supplies, roads and bridges, and other miscellaneous items needs urgent attention. Utilizing 20.40% of the nation’s total expenditure, as reported by the office of the Auditor General 2017 and 20.33% in the 2018 revised estimates, while estimating 20.74% for 2019 up by 4.36%, as published by the Ministry of Finance, the Infrastructure Management category consist of funds transferred to the Tobago House of Assembly, the Ministries of Rural Development and Local Government, Housing and Urban Development, Public Utilities, and Works and Transport.

Human Development 2019

(An extract from Foreign Direct Investment 2019)

Good health, sound education, social empowerment, physical activities and community interaction are the essentials for Human Development. The Human Development category is to execute policies, strategies and initiatives of the Ministries of Health, Education, Social Development and Family Services, Community Development, Culture and the Arts, and Sport and Youth Affairs. This comprised expenditure funds totaling 28.85% of the nation’s total expenditure, as reported by the office of the Auditor General 2017 and 29.09% in the 2018 revised estimates, while estimating 29.20% up by 2.70% for 2019, as published by the Ministry of Finance. Noting that, the progress of any country, nation, society is driven by its human resource and the development of such; its citizenry, its people, its skills and talents.

Resource Preservation 2019

(An extract from Foreign Direct Investment 2019)

Crime, corruption and waste are the chief disincentives to sustainable development and economic growth. Falling squarely under the ambit of the divisions of the Ministry of National Security; the Defence Forces, its arms, divisions and initiatives, and for all intents and purposes, are key mandates of the Police Service. Employing numerous Resource Preservation strategies to protect life, guard the borders, prevent and detect crime, investigate evidence of corruption, spot and stop waste of the country’s physical assets. Resource Preservation comprises funds, 12.10% of the nation’s total expenditure as reported by the Auditor General 2017 and 10.22% in the revised estimates 2018 and 10.66% up by 6.67% for 2019 published by the Ministry of Finance. The necessary policies, essential tools and equipment, heavily supported by real-time intelligence and both witness and scientific evidence, are addressed in the national budget.