New commerce chamber being set up to boost trade between Guyana, Europe

European Ambassador to Guyana, Rene van Nes has revealed that works are progressing on the establishment of an EU-Guyana Chamber of Commerce, as he expressed hopes to see increased private sector cooperation between Guyana and European countries.

“Guyana is a country of endless opportunities now and therefore I really want to bring more EU private sector to the country,” he said during a reception hosted by the EU on Wednesday evening.
In this regard, he announced that the EU-Guyana Chamber of Commerce should be established soon.
“We are really making good progress on establishing an EU-Guyana Chamber of Commerce…I have that ambition to do that. It should not be too long. I want to have a chamber that provides quality support both to European countries that want to come here and Guyanese companies that have an interest in working with the EU,” he noted.
This year marks 50 years of cooperation between the EU and Guyana. The diplomat remarked that Guyana is the place to be and establish business ties, categorised as one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
“The EU is a phenomenal player in terms of trade and investments. Due to our shared values and our common interests and objectives for smarter and a greener and more inclusive economy, I think the EU is the natural partner for Guyana…Guyana is one of the most exciting places to be and to do business in and I will pass that message loud and clear to…to everyone in Europe who still has not get that message,” the diplomat expressed.
Already, the Ambassador said many European countries are making their mark in the local private sector, in the delivery of services here.
The EU has contributed millions to assist in building a strong sea defence system, restoring City Hall with contributions to power grids and water management.
“Our programme is constantly changing because it has to respond to the needs of the country and your needs here are rapidly changing…We really recognise in Guyana, a country that shares this passion to have an international rule of law and to make sure that we have a functional multilateral system. That is now more needed than ever.”
Guyana already has Chambers of Commerce with the USA and Canada. Talks are also ongoing regarding the establishment of a Guyana-UK Chamber of Commerce.
Since taking office, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government has voiced that Guyana is open for business, given the plethora of opportunities and avenues for collaboration and mutual benefit.
Recently, the European Union-Guyana Chamber of Commerce was launched, carrying with it expectations of increased trade between Guyana and Europe and more ease of travel, after concern was expressed that visas for Guyanese to travel to the EU still have to be processed in Suriname.
President Dr Irfaan Ali had paid attention to the calls of the Guyanese business community, urging the EU to accelerate the setting up of an office in Guyana to process visas. (G12)