The World Trade Centre Georgetown (WTCG) is set to officially launch with a packed week of business and networking events from October 19 to 24, 2025, marking Guyana’s strengthened participation in the global World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) network.
Executive Chairman of WTCG, Komal Samaroo, said the series of activities aims to place the private sector at the forefront of the celebrations. “Our mission is about elevating the business environment in Guyana, creating opportunities for meaningful connections, knowledge-sharing, and growth. The World Trade Centre Georgetown will serve as a bridge between local enterprises and the global market,” Samaroo stated.
The programme begins on Sunday, October 19, with the arrival of international delegations. On Monday, October 20, a welcome reception will be held for visiting officials, ministers, and local business leaders, where Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, will deliver welcome remarks.
The highlight of the week comes on Tuesday, October 21, with the official launch ceremony at WTCG’s Kingston headquarters, commissioned earlier in June. President Dr. Irfaan Ali has been invited to deliver the keynote address, alongside remarks from WTCA Vice Chairman Remy Swaab and Vineet Verma, Managing Director of World Trade Centre Bengaluru, India. The event will conclude with a formal launch dinner featuring presentations from international trade specialists, government ministers, and global advisors, with Olinda Salguero, Vice President of the Latin American and Caribbean Presidential Mission, as the featured speaker.
Activities continue on Wednesday, October 22, with a presentation by Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment, on “Doing Business in and with Guyana.” This will be followed by a panel discussion on “The Effective Use of Artificial Intelligence & Digital Platforms by MSMEs,” featuring Luis Carlos Martinez, President of WTC Ibague (Colombia); Sharazade Kirton, Digital Marketing Director, Loews Hotel Group; and Roger Singh, Co-Founder of Scalar Performance Inc. (Canada).
Another panel will examine “Successfully Navigating the Current Global Trade Environment,” with insights from Vaughn Renwick, Chief Executive Officer of the West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA); Karen Gerwitz, President and CEO of World Trade Centre Denver and WTCA Board Member; and Abiola Heyliger, International Trade Policy Analyst and former Trade Negotiator with the United States Trade Representative’s Office in Washington, DC.
On Thursday, October 23, international trade expert Sandra Ann Baptiste, CITP, will lead a one-day training seminar titled “Successful Exhibiting: Effective Planning and Marketing for Trade Shows.”
The week’s remaining events will feature luncheons and networking sessions engaging micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as well as large corporations.
Samaroo underscored that the activities reflect WTCG’s long-term vision. “The World Trade Centre Georgetown will provide services, training, and international connections to help Guyanese businesses expand globally,” he said.
By the close of the week, WTCG aims to reinforce Guyana’s position as a rising player in the international trading system.
