More opportunities for small businesses promised as Guyana gets CARICOM’s first World Trade Centre

The first World Trade Centre established within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was commissioned in Georgetown, Guyana, on Friday, and those behind the venture vowed that small businesses will access greater trade and investment support.

The WTC- Georgetown Executive Director, Wesley Kirton, told those gathered for Friday’s commissioning ceremony that this facility offers Guyanese the opportunity to present their businesses, services, and products to more than 300 World Trade Centres globally.

That is a network that spans 100 countries and includes more than a million business associates, Kirton added.

The Georgetown centre provides both facilities and trade services. The modern structure at High Street, Kingston, can accommodate seminars, meetings, and other events; there are also options for long-term office space rentals.

On the trade services front, the WTCG is offering event planning and management, business management and professional services, policy analysis and formulation, research support, business-to-business networking, and trade facilitation.

The WTCG’s offerings are plenty, but Kirton assured other business stakeholders that this venture is only meant to complement and enhance work already being done.

“The World Trade Centre is not here to replace any organisation, including any chamber of commerce or any business organisation. We are here to collaborate meaningfully with all stakeholders,” he said.
Meanwhile, the WTCG’s Executive Chairman, Komal Samaroo said there will also be a huge focus on supporting small businesses.

“Once this building is completely commissioned and the WTCG gets fully operational, we are going to be actively involved bringing opportunities to the businesses of Guyana, particularly in the small, medium, and micro business sectors,” Samaroo said.

Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali attended the commissioning ceremony on Friday and said this venture aligns well with the government’s plan to rapidly expand the local economy, empower more citizens to pursue lucrative business opportunities, and increase trade.

Interest in Guyana high as country sets up first World Trade Center