During a seminar held today for a visiting trade mission from Trinidad and Tobago, High Commissioner to Guyana, Conrad Enill, highlighted that trade barriers between the two countries is currently receiving direct attention from the administration of Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley.
The trade mission, led by the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA), encompasses various sectors, including food and beverage, chemicals, construction, household products, agro-processing, cargo, and services.
Enil’s address of the matter was prompted by comments made by Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, concerning the matter. Persaud while speaking at the engagement elaborated on the longstanding challenges in accessing the Trinidad and Tobago market, stating, “It has been an issue that we’ve been addressing and we’ve made some progress but there are still some outstanding issues in terms of accessing the array of the Trinidad and Tobago market…
“Take for instance, we’ve had the issue since 2013 of honey being exported [to Trinidad from Guyana]. We’ve had outstanding issues of pharmaceutical where things are a bit vague and you’re not clear as to how it is that our pharmaceutical procurers can access Trinidad and Tobago markets.”
Moreover, Persaud underscored the importance of establishing a level playing field within the CARICOM region, ensuring equal opportunities for all countries to benefit from trade. He emphasized the necessity of addressing any barriers or restrictions that might impede the free movement of goods, fostering economic growth and development.
Several months ago, President Dr. Irfaan Ali committed to resolving the issues surrounding trade barriers in response to concerns expressed by local private sector organizations such as the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA).
The GMSA was able to be a part of the engagement with the Trinidad & Tobago delegation today and its President, Ramsay Ali emphasized the growth potential of Guyana’s agriculture and agro-processing industries, highlighting the abundant fertile land and natural resources available. Rafeek Khan, First Vice President of GMSA, discussed opportunities for collaboration and partnership, particularly in the forestry and construction sectors, to meet the rising market demands.
