THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is continuing to strengthen its international partnerships, with recent efforts focused on reviving a long-standing collaboration with the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). This initiative is aimed at fostering stronger trade and investment ties between Guyana and the United Kingdom.
The relationship between the two chambers dates back to 1996 when a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to promote bilateral trade. In a bid to reignite the agreement, a delegation from the GCCI, including Councillor and Executive Member, Timothy Tucker, Councillor Rayad Boyce, and Member Ian Dhanraj, recently met with LCCI’s Head of International, Marta Kozlowska and other senior officials.
The LCCI, representing over 9,000 members, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, is one of the UK’s leading business networks. During the meeting, Timothy Tucker updated the LCCI officials on the growth and development of the GCCI over the years, advocating for closer collaboration to create business opportunities for members of both organisations.
Through discussions, the Georgetown Chamber secured a discounted membership subscription for GCCI members to join the LCCI, enhancing opportunities for Guyanese businesses to expand their presence in London. Both chambers also agreed to facilitate their members’ participation in seminars and events hosted in Guyana and London, further strengthening ties between the two business communities.
During their visit, the GCCI delegation also presented copies of the Business Guyana Magazine and the Green Magazine to their London counterparts, showcasing the potential and ongoing developments in Guyana’s business landscape.
The GCCI, as Guyana’s leading Business Support Organisation, continues to play a pivotal role in advocating for policies that benefit the local business sector. The Chamber, which operates under the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry Act Chapter 89:03, has nearly 1,000 members, ranging from micro to large enterprises. It is managed by 21 Councillors and supported by 14 committees that drive its mandate.
Over the years, GCCI has been instrumental in various key initiatives, including advocating for local content laws, providing multi-disciplinary management training for government and private sector employees, and promoting a stable business environment in Guyana. The Chamber’s mission remains focused on building capacity, stimulating trade and investment, and creating opportunities that will contribute to Guyana’s sustainable economic growth.
As the GCCI continues to represent the voices of the local business community, its renewed collaboration with the LCCI signals a promising future for expanding Guyana’s international trade relations, particularly in the UK.