AmCham champions inaugural trade mission to US- Caribbean conference

The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Guyana, in collaboration with the South Florida District Export Council and the U.S. Department of Commerce — U.S. Commercial Service, led its first outbound trade mission to Miami, Florida, from May 11–15, 2025. Led by Executive Director, Richard Leo and supported by Project Coordinator, Tandi Rampersaud, the inaugural trade mission with 20+ Guyanese delegates provided firms with opportunities to connect with U.S. stakeholders, explore partnerships, and gather market intelligence.

“This inaugural trade mission is a major milestone for AmCham Guyana and reflects our strong commitment to building lasting commercial ties between Guyana and the United States. We’re confident the relationships formed and insights gained will deliver real value to our members and the wider economy,” said Richard Leo, Executive Director of AmCham Guyana. “We’re especially grateful to our partners at the U.S. Commercial Service and South Florida District Export Council for their support and hospitality.”

The delegation, comprising representatives from CCA Guyana, R. Dabie Electrical Contractors, Mid-Atlantic Oil and Gas, RAMPS Logistics Guyana, ACH Inc. (Authorized Samsung Distributor), Guyana Electric, N&S Algoo Licensed Customs Brokerage Services, ACE Consulting Group, Guyana-Business.com, Lindsayca CH4 Guyana, and Payless Variety Store, participated in the U.S.-Caribbean Business Conference 2025 and engaged in a series of meetings and site visits focused on port development, energy, logistics, and financial services.

Site visits included tours of Port Everglades and PortMiami, where the delegation was hosted by senior port officials. At Port Everglades, discussions centered on trade infrastructure and port operations with Senior Business Development Manager, Robert Barceló. At PortMiami, the delegation met with Eric Olafson, Director of Global Trade and Business Development, and Eric Borrazas, Cargo Development Manager, and toured the port’s facilities including the Virgin Cruise Terminal, gaining first-hand exposure to the logistics networks of major carriers such as Royal Caribbean International and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).

The delegation also visited Helm Bank USA, a long-standing AmCham Guyana member, where they were welcomed by Mark Anthony Crisp, President and CEO, Gabriela Alcorta Olarra, Vice President of Business Development, and Mari Blanco, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. Delegates received guidance on services for international clients such as opening U.S. bank accounts and real estate financing options in the state of Florida.

During the U.S.-Caribbean Business Conference, Executive Director, Richard Leo participated in a high-level panel discussion alongside representatives from the U.S. State Department and other regional AmChams. He highlighted recent legislative reforms in Guyana that support ease of doing business and presented opportunities for investment in Guyana’s non-oil sectors. He underscored the growing bilateral partnership between Guyana and the U.S. highlighting the mutual benefits of increased trade and collaboration. Delegates also took part in one-on-one business matchmaking sessions with U.S. firms, facilitated through the conference platform.

The trade mission also featured a private roundtable discussion at Florida International University’s Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom, co-hosted by AmCham Guyana and the ACE Consulting Group. The roundtable was moderated by Senior Advisor of the ACE Consulting Group, Wazim Mowla and brought together U.S. and Guyanese business leaders for a candid dialogue on investment opportunities and commercial partnerships, with representatives from CitiBank, Tropical Shipping and the International Trade Consortium of Miami-Dade County (AMCHAM press release)