The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved a country strategy for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for the period 2017 to 2021. The strategy proposes financial support of USD436.7 million from CDB. “This strategy underscores CDB' longstanding commitment to helping Trinidad and Tobago achieve its development priorities. It will provide focused support that aims to unlock the country' potential for economic and social development, improve competitiveness, promote good governance, and drive environmental sustainability," said Dr. Justin Ram, Director of Economics, CDB. The programme of assistance is designed to help Trinidad and Tobago achieve five key development outcomes: improved quality of, and access to, education and training; strengthened social protection; increased productivity, competitiveness and economic diversification; improved evidence-based development planning and institutional development; and strengthened environmental management supported by safe and resilient infrastructure. Gender equality, as well as energy security and citizen security considerations, will be mainstreamed in CDB' interventions delivered under the strategy. The programme of assistance takes into account lessons learnt from the previous country strategy (2011-2014), including the need to address institutional implementation capacity and strengthen donor coordination to achieve more meaningful development results. In developing the country strategy, CDB held extensive discussions with officials from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as other stakeholders and development partners. This dialogue is central to promoting country ownership of the strategy. The approved strategy aligns with CDB' strategic objectives of supporting inclusive and sustainable growth and development, and promoting good governance. It builds on the Government of Trinidad and Tobago' National Development Plan Vision 2030.