‘New record’ as US/ Guyana trade goes up to US$4.7 billion 

Bilateral trade between Guyana and the United States has surpassed US$4.7 billion over the past year — a new record reflecting the two countries’ growing economic ties.

US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, made this revelation while addressing the 249th US Independence Day celebration on Friday night at her official residence.

“Over the past year, we’ve reached another milestone. Bilateral trade in physical goods alone surpassed US$4.7 billion, a new record.

“The number of U.S. companies working with Guyanese partners continues to grow, along with sustained investment across many sectors. Since last year’s event, we’ve celebrated many new ventures – from company launches and grand openings to groundbreaking partnerships,” Ambassador Theriot said.

Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali hailed the growing trade and deepening partnership. He underscored Guyana’s commitment to advancing trade diversification and improving market accessibility in key sectors such as agriculture, technology, and infrastructure.

“As our country actively engages in strengthening our framework for bilateral trade, we continue to be optimistic about the diversification of our trade relations,” he said, pointing to efforts to boost domestic food production, enhance food and nutrition security, and reduce import dependence,” President Ali said.

Dr Ali also highlighted that Guyana’s national agenda is focused on lifting communities, strengthening economic growth, and creating opportunities through collaboration with partners like the United States.

The partnership between Guyana and the US spans more than five decades. The two countries have worked together to build capacity across all sectors, including combating transnational crime, modernizing agriculture, and adopting new technologies.

Ambassador Theriot described the partnership as “far beyond mere words,” referencing significant growth in military, security, and law enforcement collaboration.

Now more than ever, Ambassador Theriot said, Guyana’s military and security cooperation is at the “strongest it has ever been.”

The US Ambassador praised recent law enforcement achievements, including coordinated operations between the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Guyana’s Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit that netted thousands of kilogrammes of illegal drugs last year.

“Joint operations like these strengthen our collective security and make Guyana a regional leader and a stabilizing force in South America and the Caribbean,” she said.

In a stark warning about transnational threats, President Ali pledged to crack down on gold smuggling, which he said could empower undemocratic forces.

“We are putting enormous resources into ensuring that the threat of illicit gold smuggling, which can help to empower or safeguard undemocratic forces, is uprooted with our partnership,” Dr Ali said.

President Ali concluded by reaffirming Guyana’s commitment to a peaceful, stable region and welcomed the US support in strengthening democracy for the upcoming September 1 General and Regional Elections.

“As Guyana prepares for its upcoming elections, we welcome the support of the US in ensuring a fair, transparent, and credible electoral process,” he said.