GCCI pays courtesy call on High Commissioner of Belize
– Discusses potential collaboration for expansion of trade
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) today, July 8, paid a courtesy call on the High Commissioner of Belize to Guyana, Her Excellency, Gale Miller Garnett.
President of the GCCI, Mr. Kester Hutson; Senior Vice President, Mrs. Kathy Smith and Councillor, Mr. Richard Rambarran engaged the High Commissioner on several areas, including room for collaborating through a Trade Facilitation Council and the removal of Non-Tariff Barriers to trade in the Caricom region.
Mr. Rambarran enlightened the High Commissioner on the Chamberโs rich history, noting the strides made in representing a wide range of sectors and advocating crucial matters of interest related to membership and the business community. ย The diplomat was also introduced to some of the key functions of the GCCI, such as the use of its good offices to settle disputes involving members of the local commercial and industrial community. The GCCI Executives extended an offer to support a Trade Facilitation Council that can be aligned with the expansion of economic and trade relations between Guyana and Belize. The GCCI also raised the issue of Non-Tariff Barriers as an impediment to food security in the region, and the importance of eliminating this hindrance in the interest of agricultural trade.
H.E Garnett shared that there is a notable Belizean diaspora in Guyana, particularly in the medical field and those undergoing officersโ training with the Guyana Defense Force. In terms of trade relations and the potential for expansion, she explained that there is an opportunity for Guyanese products to benefit from market access to the Free Trade Zone in Central America through collaboration with Belize. The two parties also examined the promotion of agricultural diversification through a collaborative effort.
