AmCham Guyana signs MoU with T&T counterpart for mutual co-operation

…GCCI enters tripartite agreement with Barbados, Suriname

In efforts to broaden cooperation and collaboration outside of Guyana, several local Private Sector organisations have entered into agreements with regional counterparts.

The American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AmCham Guyana) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad & Tobago (AmCham T&T) to establish mutual co-operation between the two organisations.
According to a missive from AmCham Guyana, this agreement recognises the value of promoting mutual co-operation to advance the interests of the respective members of each organisation and the promotion of trade and investment in both countries.
The agreement was signed in Georgetown by AmCham Guyana President, Zulfikar Ally and AmCham T&T President, Toni Sirju-Ramnarine. It will explore opportunities for collaboration and set out the respective roles and responsibilities of both organisations in working cooperatively to further the individual and mutual interests of each organisation.

Speaking at the signing, Ally said, “It is a pleasure to sign this MoU on behalf of AmCham Guyana to enhance business and trade collaboration among the two AmCham’s of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. We recognise the importance of looking beyond borders and embracing opportunities for regional collaboration, and this MoU will serve to further fast-track this process. This MoU is an important step towards realising the shared goals and objectives of both Chambers, and we look forward to partnering with AmCham T&T to advance regional initiatives that strengthen the business and economic relations among the chamber and its members.”
Meanwhile, Sirju-Ramnarine noted that by focusing on building on greater collaboration and cooperation with stakeholders, AmCham T&T is ensuring success in a post-pandemic era for business.
“We are delighted to enter into this partnership with our colleagues at AmCham Guyana because moving forward from this pandemic will require more collaboration and cooperation between all stakeholders that are invested in ensuring the ease of doing business in our respective nations,” Sirju-Ramnarine said.
He added that, “Entering into this MoU will allow both organisations to leverage our resources and expertise to provide more far-reaching advocacy and leadership on important issues of regional development. Moreover, it will provide a channel for our members to connect and receive support in each country. The work of the two organisations in both countries as well as our membership in the Association of American Chambers of Commerce of Latin America and the Caribbean is focussed on the creation of a healthy, safe and robust economic climate that will promote trade and attract foreign direct investment (FDI), improve the ease of doing business, enhance competition, and produce more value-added jobs.”
The MoU will see the two organisations collaborating and working together to: jointly host seminars focusing on key business issues, including but not limited to Health, Safety, Security and the Environment (HSSE), Trade Missions etc.; collaborate to encourage members, within both AmCham membership bodies, to support Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives jointly; tap into one another’s networks of professional and industry contacts to support the above objectives; collaborate to build the technical and financial ability and capacity, professional skills and behaviours of the finance, audit and accounting departments in AmCham’s membership bodies, thereby providing benefit to AmCham’s members and by extension, the population of Guyana.
Meanwhile, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) also recently entered into a tripartite agreement with the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the Suriname Trade and Industry Association (STIA).
The Tripartite MoU was inked during a virtual ceremony last week by GCCI President Timothy Tucker, BCCI President Anthony Branker and STIA Chairman Bryan Renten.
Through this agreement, the parties will similarly seek to enhance trade linkages and facilitate economic cooperation and collaboration between Guyana, Barbados, and Suriname. Under the MoU, a Tripartite Working Group comprising representatives of the GCCI, BCCI and STIA was formed and will meet on a tri-monthly basis for the purpose of developing programmes and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable trade and investment in the region.
The GCCI, BCCI and STIA will facilitate agreed activities for member companies which include capacity building initiatives, promotion of trade and investment activities in each territory, training and cooperation programmes, and fostering strategic collaboration to increase competitiveness of industries.
It was further noted that the parties have also agreed to facilitate information sharing in the key areas of trade and investment, oil and gas, tourism and hospitality, agriculture, renewable energy, education, healthcare and occupational safety and health.
The GCCI welcomed the formalisation of its partnership with the BCCI and the STIA, and views it as an important milestone in the regional integration process.
“The Private Sector is a key driver of regional trade and the GCCI looks forward to working closely with its counterparts in Barbados and Suriname to create opportunities for sustainable economic growth within the region,” a missive from the Chamber detailed. (G8)