THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has signalled its interest in fostering a strategic partnership with business support organisations in Belize to enhance trade and economic collaboration between the two nations.
This commitment was expressed by GCCI Executive Member and Councillor, Mr. Richard Rambarran, during the First Meeting of the Joint Commission on Renewed and Enhanced Cooperation between Guyana and Belize on February 10. The meeting, held at the Ramphal House Conference Room at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, served as a platform for stakeholders from both countries to explore areas for economic synergy.
Notable attendees included Guyana’s Ambassador to CARICOM and Director of the Multilateral and Global Affairs Department, His Excellency George Talbot, and the High Commissioner of Belize to Guyana, Her Excellency Gale Miller-Garnett, alongside representatives from various sectors keen on strengthening trade relations.
The discussions align with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Renewed and Enhanced Cooperation, signed between the Governments of Guyana and Belize in July 2022. This agreement set the foundation for greater bilateral engagement, with the meeting serving as a key step in outlining specific areas of collaboration.
During the discussions, Mr. Rambarran emphasised the importance of structured dialogue in identifying potential areas of cooperation. “Perhaps we can start some structured dialogue around areas of cooperation, potential areas for synergy, that would be imperative for us to move forward,” he stated.
As part of this initiative, he also proposed a trade promotion event in Belize, which would facilitate a trade mission for local businesses seeking to expand their footprint in the Belizean market.
The engagement underscores Guyana’s broader push to strengthen regional economic ties and promote business opportunities within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The GCCI’s proactive stance in exploring trade partnerships with Belize is expected to pave the way for increased investment, business expansion, and economic growth between the two nations.
Further discussions and follow-up engagements are expected in the coming months as both sides work toward concrete initiatives to advance trade and investment opportunities.