It is widely considered as the financial capital of the Caribbean, with Trinidad and Tobago companies setting up shop or investing directly in other territories. A relatively low unemployment rate has served to attract other Caribbean nationals, and depending on the fiscal position, the state has been able to provide project or grant funds to neighboring nations.
In terms of economic influence in the international arena, Trinidad and Tobago has generally punched above its weight, being a founding member and the only Caribbean country in the G-241 and often taking leadership roles in issues raised at the Boards of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.