-as Canadian firms signal increasing investment, partnership interest
GUYANA is continuing to attract growing interest from Canadian companies seeking investment and partnership opportunities, according to Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin, who revealed that approximately 40 Canadian companies have visited Guyana within the last year.
Speaking on Wednesday evening at the launch of the internationally recognised FITT skills Programme, Sigouin noted that many companies are actively seeking partnerships with local businesses as Guyana expands its presence in the global economy. Moreover, the new trade training initiative, done in collaboration with Action INVEST and the Office of the Canadia High Commissioner, the Forum for International Trade Training (FITTskills) programme aims to equip Guyanese professionals with the skills needed to compete at international standards.
In his address, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin, noted that interest in Guyana continues to grow on the international landscape.
Sharing insight into the recent Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce business forum, which saw the participation of more than 150 Canadian business representatives and investors, Sigouin noted that building partnerships with Guyana was among the questions he was asked.
“One of the questions that they kept asking me is really about how do they build partnerships, how do they build partnerships with local people, with local companies, so that those companies can help them navigate the meanders, the labyrinth, and some of the challenges of the Guyanese business environment,” he said, adding, “They are world-class companies. Many of them work all around the world, and they are more and more interested in the Guyanese market.”
This comes as the high commissioner noted that more Canadian companies continue to come to Guyana.
Sigouin noted that in the last year, some 40 Canadian-based companies have come to Guyana.
He added, “Just in the last year, we had about 40 Canadian companies come to Guyana. These companies are from a number of sectors,” he said noting, “World-class companies bringing expertise in a whole range of sectors: digitalisation, clean technology, waste management, water sanitation, you name it. So many companies are coming here to explore the opportunities in Guyana, and more and more are also looking into Suriname.” Furthermore, he noted that this is why the FITT skills programme is so integral.
Also delivering an address at the event was Vishnu Doerga, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Action INVEST Caribbean Inc., who noted that the programme is not just another training programme, but rather a strategic capacity-building platform for Guyana and Suriname.
He noted that the step is vital, as both countries continue to grow and diversify in global trade. This programme, he added, will help bridge the gap between international trade and local skills and capacity.
“This is not only about helping local businesses export. It’s also about ensuring that when international companies enter Guyana and Suriname, our CEOs, our business development managers, our procurement officers, logistics professionals, entrepreneurs, and young professionals can engage with them on the same level,” he said adding, “FITTskills helps build the bridge from local potential to global competence, so that our organisations and our countries can capture more value from the opportunities before us.”
The internationally recognised training is based in Canada and is respected globally for setting the standard for international trade education.
Sharing insight into exactly what the programme offers, Doerga noted that, “FITTskills is a practical international trade training programme. It is designed by business for business, with emphasis on real-world applications rather than theory alone. It is country-neutral, and the principles apply whether a company is exporting, importing, supplying international companies locally, entering a new market, or working inside the global economy.”
He emphasised that FITTskills is accessible, allowing participants to move towards a diploma in international trade and eventually towards the Certified International Trade Professional designation (CITP).
The programme will use two main learning pathways, the first being a full-course format in Guyana that would run for twelve months, and the second being an annual sprint which takes a workshop format.
Doerga noted, “The curriculum is built around the six pillars of international trade. These include feasibility and risk analysis, market entry strategies, global value chains, product and service adaptation, international sales and marketing, and trade finance. Together, these pillars form a practical framework.”
He later added the workshops are designed as short, focused sessions that will address very specific challenges. “The modular structure allows capability to be built where it is most importantly needed, for example, having just your finance team trained in trade finance, your operations team trained in documentation and logistics, or your leadership team trained in market expansion.”
Meanwhile, Caroline Tompkins, President & CEO of the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) delivered a video address during which she noted that the partnership is not about one country adopting another, but rather about Guyana, Action INVEST, FITT, and Canada choosing to strengthen a wider international business community together.
“Action INVEST brings deep local insight and trusted relationships in Guyana. FITT brings global standards and reach.” Further noting the importance of the partnership, she noted that, “Wanting to trade internationally is a start, and ambition will open doors. But competence, skills, systems, and insight are what carry companies through to growth,” she said.
The step comes at an opportune time, as Guyana today is home to some 30,000 incorporated companies and over 30,000 sole proprietors.
While the programme was officially launched in Guyana, Suriname will see its launch in June, with the first cohort starting training in July.
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Photo saved as: FITT skills 1
CAPTION: Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin, speaking at the launch of the internationally recognised FITTskills programme. He revealed that approximately 40 Canadian companies visited Guyana within the last year (Elton John photos)
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CAPTION: Vishnu Doerga, CEO of Action INVEST Caribbean Inc. noted that the Forum for International Trade Training (FITTskills) programme is a strategic capacity-building platform for Guyana
