Georgetown and T&T Chambers Sign Agreement to Address Trade Barriers

• The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing both organisations to closer cooperation on bilateral trade. The MOU jointly addresses non-tariff barriers affecting Guyana's exports to Trinidad and Tobago.
• According to GCCI President Kathy Smith, the MoU is geared towards addressing long-standing trade obstacles by identifying and resolving barriers to market access and other challenges for the mutual benefit of businesses in both countries.
• The agreement also provides for collaboration beyond trade barriers, including joint projects, shared research on sectors with strong development potential, and advocacy with regulatory agencies and other key stakeholders to expand economic and social opportunities.
• T&T Chamber President Karen Yip Chuck described the agreement as the beginning of a long-term partnership, aimed at creating an enduring framework for the private sectors of both countries to identify challenges, advocate for solutions and unlock new business opportunities.
• Officials from both chambers noted that discussions on bilateral trade issues have been ongoing since 2022, particularly around easing the export of Guyanese agricultural products into the Trinidad and Tobago market. A working group will be established to monitor implementation and ensure the agreement's objectives are achieved.
• The agreement signals a renewed private-sector effort to strengthen Guyana–Trinidad and Tobago trade relations, with a particular focus on reducing non-tariff barriers that have constrained regional trade and market access.

(Source: Kaieteur News)