– to strengthen regional trade push ahead of key business forum

GUYANA’S trade relationship with Brazil has expanded dramatically, with bilateral commerce rising from approximately US$58 million in 2020 to an unprecedented US$1 billion in 2026, according to Brazil’s Ambassador Maria Cristina de Castro Martins.
The sharp increase underscores deepening economic integration between the two South American neighbours, as both countries prepare for a high-level business forum aimed at expanding investment and trade links and advancing Guyana’s engagement with the regional bloc MERCOSUR.
Speaking in an interview on 104.1 Guyana Lite FM on Wednesday, Ambassador Castro Martins described the growth as a “significant expansion” in trade flows over the past four years, driven largely by complementary economic sectors and rising demand linked to energy, mining, and infrastructure development.
She noted that Guyana’s exports to Brazil remain heavily concentrated, with crude oil accounting for approximately 98 per cent of shipments. In contrast, Brazil’s exports to Guyana are dominated by industrial inputs, with roughly 80 per cent comprising machinery and equipment for construction, extractive industries, oil production, and mining.
“The trade relations between both countries have been expanded significantly in recent years. The trade flow, which was around US$58 million in 2020, now reached US$1 billion,” the ambassador said.
The remarks come ahead of a high-level business forum scheduled for Monday, May 11, hosted by the World Trade Centre Georgetown in collaboration with the Embassy of Brazil. The event is expected to spotlight new trade and investment opportunities while reinforcing Brazil’s support for deeper institutional and economic engagement between Guyana and MERCOSUR.
According to Castro Martins, a visiting Brazilian delegation will attend the forum to demonstrate support for strengthening bilateral relations and encouraging structured dialogue on Guyana’s potential deeper integration with MERCOSUR. Guyana currently holds associate status within the bloc.
Brazil, she added, would support exploratory discussions between MERCOSUR member states and Guyana aimed at developing a balanced and mutually beneficial trade arrangement should Georgetown pursue closer integration.
“The seminar next week will be held to better understand the trade and investment opportunities that MERCOSUR can offer to Guyana’s businessmen,” she said, adding that the initiative is intended to broaden awareness among the private sector.
Beyond immediate trade considerations, the ambassador framed the growing partnership within a broader strategic context, highlighting the geographic positioning of both countries. She described Guyana as a “gateway to the Caribbean” and Brazil as a natural bridge to wider South American markets, arguing that both economies stand to benefit from improved connectivity and diversification of trade flows.
“We need to profit from this position, which is very strategic for both countries,” she said, noting that trade relations have historically been concentrated in limited regions and sectors. “It’s time to expand, to have new provinces in our trade relations.”
Castro Martins also pointed to the importance of broader international cooperation, referencing Brazil’s longstanding relationship with the United States while emphasising respect for differing political systems and the need for continued collaboration across the Americas.
However, she stressed that regional diversification remains a priority, with increased emphasis on strengthening ties within South America and the Caribbean through enhanced commercial and institutional engagement.
The upcoming forum is expected to serve as a key platform for advancing these objectives, with both governments and private sector stakeholders anticipated to explore new pathways for investment, logistics integration, and market expansion between the two rapidly evolving economies.