World Trade Center Georgetown to support local businesses, encourages trademarking

As Guyana’s economy continues to evolve, the newly launched World Trade Center Georgetown is stepping up to help local businesses navigate the complex work of exporting goods to international markets according to Chairman of the Center, Komal Samaroo.

During a tour of the seven-storey high building at Kingston on Friday, Samaroo said he believes the facility can play a pivotal role in bridging the knowledge gap and preparing Guyanese entrepreneurs for global trade.

“Exporting requires a whole different set of regulations that you have to comply with.

“It’s not just about having a good product – it’s about meeting international standards and being fully compliant with trade laws,” Samaroo said.

Through its affiliation with the World Trade Centers Association, the Georgetown Center now connects with over 300 trade hubs worldwide. It has already signed 16 Memoranda of Understanding with international Centers to support training, information sharing, and access to potential global partners.

Samaroo noted that building an export-ready business requires a complete mindset shift and a willingness to adapt to global norms. Areas of focus includes food and drug regulations to trade financing to offer targeted training sessions and access to expert knowledge to help businesses understand and meet the demands of foreign markets.

Additionally, Samaroo said with its growing global network and targeted focus on compliance, trademarking, and market readiness, the World Trade Center Georgetown is positioning itself as a launchpad for Guyana’s next generation of exporters.

One of the most critical and often overlooked steps in preparing for export is trademark registration. He emphasised that protecting intellectual property is not just a legal safeguard, but a strategic advantage.

“Once you are registered, you are protected.

“We will try as much as we can to bring the knowledge of the regulations to bear and then it is up to individual entrepreneurs to follow through,” Samaroo said.

Registering trademarks ensures that Guyanese products maintain their identity, integrity, and ownership once they enter foreign markets, a vital step in brand building and long-term export success.