Guyana-Mexico talks for removal of visa restrictions

…as trade missions also being discussed

To deepen trade and enable ease of doing business, talks are brewing between Guyana and Mexico to establish trade missions and erase current visa restrictions.
The Executive Management Committee (EMC) of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) met with newly appointed Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, Mauricio Vizcaíno Crespo.
President of the GCCI, Timothy Tucker welcomed the diplomat to Guyana and added that his arrival is one that was highly anticipated due to GCCI’s existing cordial relationship with the Mexican Embassy and its business community. Also present at the meeting were Advisor and Economic Consultant, Richard Rambarran, Junior Vice President of GCCI Kester Hutson, and Chairperson of Construction and HSSE Committee, Keon Howard.
During what was described as a fruitful engagement, the Ambassador highlighted that Guyana’s economic advances are evident and will do well in fostering relations between the two countries.
The Ambassador further expressed interest in exploring the organising of both inbound and outbound trade missions between Guyana and Mexico to explore the protocols observed within the business sector of both territories. He also mentioned the potential removal of visa restrictions to foster ease of travel for Guyanese business owners and personnel, students, corporations and agencies to Mexico.
The need to address the existing language barrier was also discussed and how this can be mitigated through the utilisation of educational institutions. The ultimate goal is to facilitate fluent exchange between the private sectors of both countries, through language, culture, and social programmes.
The Ease of Doing Business Index is one of the most comprehensive studies done by the World Bank, in which it looks at key indicators such as registering, compliance, taxation, obtaining loans and similar factors such as administrative procedures. It also looks at legal measures such as protection and settlements. In its last report, the World Bank ranked Guyana 134 out of 190 countries in its Doing Business Report for 2020 as it relates to the ease of doing business. However, the Government has embarked on setting up a single window system to further alleviate this problem.
Meanwhile on Tuesday, the Government of Mexico sent a congratulatory message to Guyana on the 50th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“Let us celebrate together these past 50 years of friendship and collaboration, which have allowed us to deliver benefits to our populations, as well as to the Caribbean Region and the Americas. The future of our nations is very bright and we are convinced that the following years will bring even greater opportunities to strengthen our ties at every level,” the statement read.
The Embassy has prepared a series of events that will take place throughout the year to mark this historical occasion, including incoming trade missions, business networking opportunities, and cultural showcases. (G12)