The Finance Minister has responded to three matters raised in the media regarding foreign exchange, including the floating of the TT dollar.

Mr Colm Imbert stated that devaluing the dollar would only create a massive spike in the cost of living and will not create any additional US dollars or make forex more available for ordinary citizens.

Regarding calls for government to get more involved in the distribution of forex, Mr Imbert noted plans to have consultations with various interest groups, to discuss a way forward.

On the claim that the EXIMBANK forex window for essential imports was resumed due to pressure from businesspeople and media, the Minister said talks about the resumption started months ago.

He noted that government had at that point signalled to clients of the EXIMBANK that it was reviewing the list of essential imports.