WITH the growth of the oil and gas sector, there has been the establishment of an increasing number of chambers and business advocacy bodies in Guyana.
Pre-oil discovery, Guyana had organisations such as the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Guyana Manufacturing Services Association (GMSA).

In recent years, the country witnessed the formation of new local chambers such as the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (WCCIG), Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), and Women in Oil and Gas Guyana (WIOGGY).
GOGEC, which was established in 2017, is an association of businesses that aims to foster economic growth and allows members to take advantage of business opportunities, networking, and gaining information on the petroleum sector as well as its advocacy and development.

Additionally, WCCIG which was launched in July 2019, marked history as the first of its kind in the Caribbean. Since its launch, that Chamber has played an active role in supporting women and providing opportunities to build their capacity.
Recently, the WCCIG exposed the women of Region Two to a session on Digital Intelligence. The session was focused on providing essential resources that women can employ to provide their businesses with a wider consumer base and more room to expand.

Meanwhile, WIOGGY has embarked on a mission to abetting, connecting and empowering women in the energy and mineral industry by providing the information and basic skills needed for personal and professional development, while providing the networking and resources needed to enter the industry’s workforce and supply chain. In fact, the women behind this organisation are at the helm of the local consortium that recently won two oil blocks from Guyana’s first auction. These bodies represent the voice of the business community and boost their capacity – promoting Guyana’s trade and investment opportunities.

On the International front, Guyana has seen the launching of more than 10 international chambers which have been forming partnerships and trade opportunities in the country, spanning from infrastructural development and agricultural growth to technological prospects.

Among the international Chambers established are the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce, the American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana, the British Chamber of Commerce Guyana, the African Caribbean Chambers of Trade, Commerce and Industry, and the India/Guyana Chamber of Commerce.

The vast number of business chambers in Guyana speaks highly to investor interest and their confidence in Guyana’s economy. These chambers span beyond the oil and gas sector and symbolise their interest in a diversified business environment. The establishment of a chamber from another state signals that there is enough interest by investors from the territory to require an advocacy or support organisation.

Significantly contributing to the economy, chambers create a conducive business environment through policy advocacy efforts, connecting businesses, stimulating trade and investment, as well as sustaining economic growth. The GCCI was one of the earliest proponents of local content legislation and after significant and consistent advocacy, Guyana saw the emergence of its Local Content Act.

Meanwhile, the international Chambers have been facilitating a number of trade missions and capacity-building engagements that have resulted in partnerships between local and international companies.
With the recent launch of the European Chamber of Commerce on November 20, the gap between European and Guyanese businesses is expected to be bridged. Chairman, Gregory Dean noted that this signifies that Guyana is open for business to all interested partners.

The EU Chamber will further create opportunities to network, share knowledge, and advocate on behalf of European businesses. And for Guyanese businesses interested in entering the European market, the chamber provides advice and assistance to investors to facilitate market entry.

It is crucial that local companies familiarise themselves with the roles, functions and benefits of these organisations, and seek to capitalise on the opportunities tied to membership.