Finance Minister urges use of Trade Centre connections as demand for goods outpaced by supply

Local businesses were on Tuesday urged by Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh to invest and expand amid Guyana’s rapid emergence as a global trade player.

Speaking at the official launch ceremony of the World Trade Centre Georgetown, a first of its kind in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM, Dr. Singh said country’s record-breaking trajectory highlights the need for more supply.

“There is more demand than we are able to produce today – in literally every category of goods and services,” Dr. Singh said.

He said the country’s growth, coupled with international interest has made demand for products in all sectors more competitive, raising the need for higher production levels.

The World Trade Center Association sees Guyana as a key connector for the region and beyond. Through its affiliation, 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, opening new possibilities for Guyana, CARICOM, and the global community to meet and develop business opportunities.

Dr. Singh said the Centre forms part of a national need to create new opportunities for Guyana and the wider Caribbean.

“Our President has spoken repeatedly about the importance of establishing Guyana as a literal bridge between mainland South America and the Caribbean,” he said.

He added that the government is conducting special projects to make this connection a reality with special emphasis on infrastructure. Further, with international funding, growing exports, and regional partnerships, local businesses can explore opportunities in areas not yet explored.

“It [World Trade Centre Georgetown] comes at precisely the right moment in our country’s economic history, and we see it as having tremendous potential,” Dr Singh said.

According to Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association President, Rafeek Khan and Private Sector Commission President, Gerry Gouveia Jr., the untapped opportunities for businesses can be supported through connections with the World Trade Center Association.