US oil giant – ExxonMobil, Marriott, Republic Bank and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) are among companies that form part of the American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AMCHAM Guyana)–a voluntary association aimed at promoting trade and business between the United States of America (USA) and Guyana.

With AMCHAM existing in 28 countries in Latin America and Caribbean, President Zulfikar Ally said it is only fitting to have one established in Guyana at a time when there is increasing interest in the country. “AMCHAM offers businesses and entrepreneurs the opportunity to network, make new contacts and transfer knowledge. It will also provide a platform for business, resource and advocacy support as well as a medium for community involvement and social corporate responsibility,” Ally explained during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Friday.

Stating that it is not a one way trade affair, Ally noted that AMCHAM Guyana comprises companies and individuals from both Guyana and the US. “AMCHAM Guyana is open to both foreign and local companies with business activities in Guyana. In fact the chamber’s board is currently comprised of a dynamic mix of both US and local companies,” he explained.

The board comprises a representative from each of the 16 companies. These companies are: ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd, Marriott Guyana, Queens Atlantic Investment Inc., Corum Group Guyana, GTT, Sol Guyana, Nabi and Sons Ltd, Red Entertainment, London House Chambers, Baker Hughes, Republic Bank, the National Milling Company of Guyana Inc. (NAMILCO), RAMPS Logistics, Massy Guyana Inc., and Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP).

Ally, who heads AMCHAM Guyana, is Queens Atlantic Investment Corporate Secretary. He is supported by three Vice Presidents: Clairmont Cummings from Corum Group; Liz Wyatt, the General Manager of Sol Guyana; and Justin Nedd, GTT’s Chief Executive Officer.
Fitzroy McCloud, who represents NAMILCO, has been appointed Treasurer while the chamber’s Secretary/Legal Counsel is Attorney Devindra Kissoon from London House Chamber.

According to Ally, AMCHAM Guyana has been in the making for more than six months with support from Ambassador Perry Holloway through the U.S Embassy. “We have been working closely with Ambassador Holloway. This is something that he always wanted to see in Guyana, and given the discovery of oil, and the increase interest in Guyana, it was only natural that you would see a chamber such as this being set up here,” the President said.
Currently, AMCHAM Guyana is opened for membership ahead of its August 13, 2018 launch.

“The chamber is open for membership from both foreign and local companies and entrepreneurs with business activities in Guyana,” the President said while noting that since the announcement by the U.S Ambassador on Wednesday that AMCHAM Guyana will be launched in August, there has been increasing interest from a wide cross-section of businesses.

Interested companies and entrepreneurs can contact AMCHAM Guyana at info@amchamguyana.com for application forms, Ally said while noting that businesses, business executives and entrepreneurs join AMCHAM for various reasons, many to enhance community goodwill while others join for the innumerable services and privileges they access through the chamber. However, a common thread among members is the belief that AMCHAM provides the platform needed to connect with people and businesses, access new opportunities and exchange information useful to their business.
Presently, those sitting at the helm of the chamber are working to finalise the by-laws and structure of the chamber. Once those systems are put in place, Ally said within eight months, AMCHAM Guyana will host its first Annual General Meeting paving way for its first set of elected officials.

Additionally, AMCHAM Guyana is putting the necessary systems in place that would allow for it to be accredited by U.S Chamber of Commerce based in Washington D.C. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organisation representing the interests of more than 3,000,000 businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions. Its members range from mom-and-pop shops and local chambers to leading industry associations and large corporations.
Closer to home, Ally said AMCHAM Guyana will be working closely with organisations such as the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association Ltd (GM&SA).
Outside of the Latin America and the Caribbean, there are AMCHAMs in places such as India, China and the UK.