In a significant move to bolster Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) digital future, Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, Dominic Smith, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The agreement, described as a ‘landmark step,’ was signed in Dubai during a series of negotiations and stakeholder engagements. This follows Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s meeting with UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York in September. The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration on National Digital Transformation initiatives, leveraging the UAE’s globally acclaimed expertise in digital identity, border management, interoperability, and smart-government systems. The partnership aims to modernize public services, enhance technological infrastructure, and position TT as a leader in digital innovation. Minister Smith emphasized the ministry’s commitment to advancing digital transformation and AI integration, aligning with TT’s Official Policy Framework and the National Digital Transformation Strategy 2025-2028. He highlighted that the initiative would accelerate national digital-transformation projects, foster technical cooperation with UAE government entities, and facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity building. The partnership underscores TT’s ambition to harness the UAE’s leadership in digital governance, cloud infrastructure, and artificial intelligence. Accompanied by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Cory Belfon, Smith engaged in bilateral meetings with UAE counterparts and toured key facilities related to digital identity systems and national cloud infrastructure. Smith expressed optimism about the opportunities ahead, stating that the government is energized to advance TT’s national digital roadmap toward a smarter, more connected society. The partnership reinforces TT’s three-pillar Digital Transformation Agenda: citizen services, smart government, and future nation, paving the way for a more efficient, inclusive, and technology-driven nation.
Trinidad and Tobago signs MoU with UAE to accelerate digital future
