To be a globally competitive, world class printing and packaging industry; in an atmosphere of total co-operation within the industry and associations, with the full participation of government."

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, in 2003, established a Standing Committee on Business Development (SCBD) to facilitate the growth and expansion of business activity in the Non-energy Sector, as well as to develop a suitable environment for business and investment in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Printing and Packaging Industry is one of the industries targeted for development. An Industry Team comprising key stakeholders in the public and private sector was established to prepare a strategic plan for the industry. The final report of the Printing and Packaging Industry Team (PPIT) was presented and accepted by the Standing Committee on Business Development at the meeting held on March 28, 2006 and subsequently accepted by Cabinet on May 4, 2006.

The Standing Committee on Business Development accepted the five (5) year Strategic Action Plan, which outlines projects as well as the recommendations for the development of the Printing and Packaging Industry. The Strategic Plan presents the recommendations under three main headings:

1. Alliances for Co-operation
2. Competitiveness Program
3. Market Research and Product Development

One of the key recommendations of the Strategic Plan is the establishment of a Printing and Packaging Industry Council. This Council was established by Cabinet in September 2006.

The key objective of the Council is to oversee the implementation of the Strategic Action Plan executed by the Secretariat under the Business Development Company Limited (BDC).

The key functions of the PPI Council will be to:

1. Oversee the implementation of the PPI Strategic Action Plan;
2. Identify and Prioritize projects for implementation;
3. Provide guidance to the Secretariat in the tasks and deliverables required to effect areas of the Strategic Plan;
4. Track industry competitiveness across a range of factors and correlate these to underlying determinants;
5. Make recommendations for prioritizing objectives and implementing programs to address defined needs of the industry;
6. Make periodic assessments of sector competitiveness and provide feedback to the industry stakeholders;
7. Represent stakeholders interests with the relevant Ministries and institutions;
8. Maintain prudent and ethical standards in the execution of the duties of the Council;
9. Undertake other activities that are deemed necessary to fulfill its mandate.

The PPI Council reports to Cabinet through the Ministry of Trade and Industry on the progress of implementation and total expenditure undertaken for projects bi-annually. The Report provides a projection of project implementation and planned expenditure for the up-coming period.

The PPI Council works closely with the BDC, the Implementation Agency of the Strategic Plan, particularly, the Project Coordinator and the Industry Specialist (Printing and Packaging).