President of the Greater San Fernando Chamber of Commerce (GSFCC) Kiran Singh is urging Government to use the mid-year budget review as an opportunity to boost business confidence and lay the foundation for stronger economic growth.“The business community is looking for practical, growth-oriented policies that encourage expansion, improve competitiveness, and position Trinidad and Tobago for long-term economic success,” Singh told the Express yesterday.While acknowledging recent positive assessments from international financial institutions, Singh noted that many businesses continue to grapple with persistent challenges, including limited access to foreign exchange, rising operating costs, crime and bureaucratic inefficiencies. He said addressing these issues was essential to improving the business environment and stimulating investment.“The Chamber would welcome targeted support for SMEs (small/medium enterprises), improved access to financing and foreign exchange, incentives for investment and digital transformation, and continued efforts to diversify the economy through manufacturing, agro-processing, tourism, and exports.“We would also support the introduction of a limited tax amnesty programme to allow businesses and individuals to regularise outstanding tax obligations without excessive penalties. Such a measure could improve tax compliance, provide relief to struggling businesses, and generate additional revenue for the State. VAT refunds remain an outstanding issue for us in the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector,” said Singh.Additionally, the GSFCC president said stronger national security measures, more efficient Government services and a clearly defined roadmap for fiscal stability and economic development would help attract investment and create employment opportunities.He stressed that the business community was looking for practical, growth-oriented policies that enhance competitiveness, encourage expansion and position Trinidad and Tobago for long-term economic success.—Susan Mohammed