The World Trade Center Georgetown (WTCG), Guyana, has thrown its support behind a call by the World Trade Organization (WTO) for the global private sector to champion the preservation of a rules-based international trading system.

This announcement was made on Wednesday by WTCG Executive Director, Wesley Kirton, in response to remarks made by WTO Deputy Director General, Angela Ellard, during the 55th Annual General Assembly and Global Business Forum of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) being held in Marseille, France.

Kirton, who is representing WTCG at the forum, noted that WTCG will engage both the private sector and the Government of Guyana on the issue. Additionally, efforts will be made to expand this engagement to the wider Caribbean Community (CARICOM), whose Secretariat is headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana. As part of these efforts, Kirton announced plans to host a special forum in Georgetown in June to facilitate discussions.

During her address, Deputy Director General Ellard underscored the critical role of the WTO in providing security and predictability in the global trade environment, which she said is currently under significant strain.

Speaking on the topic “Global Outlook: Navigating Trade & Investment Trends in 2025”, Ellard highlighted that recent tariff measures, including those by the United States, could lead to a contraction of global merchandise trade volumes by about 1% this year, according to WTO’s preliminary analysis.

She stressed the WTO’s long-standing contribution to global development, noting that its efforts have helped reduce extreme poverty from 40 per cent in 1995 to under 11 per cent in 2022.

Ellard also highlighted the WTO’s role beyond tariff reduction, pointing to its work in streamlining customs procedures, promoting digital trade, protecting intellectual property rights, and ensuring science-based food safety rules for its 166 member states.

Despite recent challenges, Ellard pointed out that 74 per cent of global trade continues to operate under WTO Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) terms — a clear sign of the enduring relevance of the multilateral trading system.

Calling for calm and cooperation amid global trade tensions, Ellard encouraged WTO member states and the private sector to utilize the organization’s platforms — including its committees and dispute settlement mechanisms — to address trade concerns and strengthen dialogue.

“There is an opportunity for dialogue and cooperation to work through issues, including at the WTO,” she said, urging the private sector globally to become active advocates for preserving a rules-based trading system.