Over 6500 trade approvals issued since launch of digital single window system

Since the implementation of the digital single window system in January 2025, almost 7500 applications have been submitted, with more than 6500 approvals processed to date, according to Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues. The Minister made these remarks at the Electronic Single Window Exit Workshop held at the World Trade Centre (WTC) in Georgetown, where stakeholders reflected on the progress and impact of the Electronic Single Window for Trade initiative spearheaded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
“The Licences, Certificates, Permits, and Other Module, which is now operational across all agencies, has demonstrated the practical value of the Single Window,” Minister Rodrigues stated, while adding that “Traders are now able to submit applications from the comfort of their offices rather than navigating multiple agencies and manual processes.” She emphasised that the initiative extends beyond digital transformation, noting that “this project was about reducing delays, lowering transaction costs and creating an enabling environment for our small and medium businesses”.

She underscored that the Electronic Single Window remains essential for promoting trade, investment, and economic diversification in Guyana as the country continues to modernise its trade facilitation systems and strengthen competitiveness. According to the World Bank Doing Business Report (2020), border compliance in Guyana requires approximately 72 hours for exports and 84 hours for imports. These delays historically increased transaction costs for businesses and reduced overall trade efficiency. With the implementation of the Electronic Single Window system, licences and approvals can now be processed in less than 24 hours between agencies, representing a significant improvement in administrative efficiency and inter-agency coordination.
The Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Roger Rogers; the Country Representative of the IDB, Lorena Solórzano Salazar; and the Chief of Operations of the IDB, Ivan-Alonzo Gaviria, along with other officials and representatives, were also present at the workshop.
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce will continue to collaborate with agencies and stakeholders to advance the full implementation of the Electronic Single Window and further enhance efficiency, transparency and service delivery within Guyana’s trade ecosystem.
The Electronic Single Window for Trade is a critical initiative aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Guyana by laying the foundation for a modern, paperless trade environment. Through enhanced collaboration among agencies, the project has streamlined procedures and improved transparency for traders and customs brokers.