Guyana holds talks on difficulties exporting agri, poultry products to T&T

Guyana on Friday convened a virtual Joint Ministerial Trade and Agricultural Meeting with Trinidad and Tobago to discuss market access difficulties experienced by Guyana when exporting agricultural and poultry products to the twin-island republic.

During the virtual meeting, the delegations discussed market access to Trinidad and Tobago, particularly the ban on the importation of poultry meat from Guyana.

Also on the agenda was the formalization of an agreement to regulate trade in equine, and the trans-shipment of honey, among others.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd told his Trinidadian counterpart, Minister of Trade and Industry, Senator Paula Gopee-Scoon that as small states, the two countries often face challenges while contending in a rather competitive global arena.

“It is for us to be able to engage fruitfully at the political level with the support of our technical teams,” the Foreign Minister stated.

He said this will allow both sides to enjoy the benefits afforded by the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

For her part, Minister Gopee-Scoon congratulated Minister Todd and Guyana’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond on their recent appointments.

Additionally, Minister Gopee-Scoon stated that the relationship with Guyana, which stems from the days of independence, continues to be of importance to the twin-island state. Furthermore, she noted that Guyana is a major market for products from Trinidad and Tobago.

The Joint Ministerial Meeting was also attended by Trinidad’s Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Senator Clarence Rambharat, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, and other technical experts.

The delegations pledged to hold further discussions amongst the technical experts.