Private Sector Commission (PSC) Vice-Chairman, Mr. Ramesh Dookhoo, has reported that GO-Invest, under the auspices of the national competitive strategy, has commenced the process to establish a trade point or e-platform in Georgetown.

Dookhoo addresses the 17th PSC AGM. (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

He pointed out that trade points come together through the World Trade Point Federation (WTPF), a body created by the United Nations (UN), that serves as an access point to the world’s largest international trade network.

The Global Trade Point Network is made up of more than 80 individual trade points in over 70 countries.

“It is an efficient e-platform and could be an invaluable asset for enterprises in Guyana which want to establish or extend their presence in the international market place, especially SMEs.

“The network facilitates rapid and targeted communication among trade points for the benefit of their customers, and increases the reliability of the information received,” Dookhoo explained.

The PSC Vice-Chairman said GO-Invest and the Ministry of Tourism have engaged the services of a consultant to run Trade Point Georgetown, and the formal launch is set for the first half of December this year.

“Although the name of the trade point is Trade Point Georgetown, GO-Invest intends to ensure that the coverage will be widespread across the country, and is attempting to identify potential partners for the intra-Guyana network.

“In designing Trade Point Georgetown, GO-Invest is taking a collaborative and demand-driven approach,” Dookhoo underlined.

According to him, interviews are being held with all major stakeholders in the trade support system, including the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), the Food and Drug Department, the Plant Health Department, and Customs.

He pointed out that discussions have been held with the private and public sector, sectoral support organisations such as the Guyana Manufacturers and Service Association, the Arts and Craft Producers Association, the Agro Processors Association, the Small Business Association and the Forestry Products Council.

“The uniqueness of the Global TP Network, combining local offices in over 70 countries with an efficient e-platform, is an invaluable asset placed at the disposal of SMEs around the world.