a.       The Maritime Industry Development Committee (MIDC) is a government appointed committee established in November 2005 to oversee the implementation of the Merchant Marine Industry Strategic Plan and the long term development of the maritime industry. The secretariat for the MIDC is based at the Business Development Company Ltd (BDC).

b.      The Merchant Marine Industry Strategic Plan was formulated during the period 2004-2005as a collaborative effort between representatives of the public and private sectors which directly and indirectly operate in the maritime industry. The Cabinet approved the strategic plan in November 2005.

c.       The MIDC comprises of the following members: Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Industry and Commerce; Customs and Excise Division; Ministry of National Security – Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard; Ministry of Trade and Industry; Ministry of Works and Transport; National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd; Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Ltd; Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago; Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union; Shipping Association of Trinidad and Tobago; South Trinidad Chamber of Industry and Commerce; Tobago House of Assembly and University of Trinidad and Tobago.

d.     The strategic goals of the Merchant Marine Industry Strategic Plan are: legislative and regulatory reform; institutional reform; human resource development; developing competitive clusters within the maritime industry; building awareness of the maritime industry; ensuring prudent liberalization of the industry and ensuring security is maintained during the development of the industry.