The World Trade Centre (WTC) Georgetown was officially launched today with a formal opening ceremony at its Kingston headquarters, marking a historic moment for Guyana and the wider Caribbean.
As the first World Trade Centre in the CARICOM region, WTC Georgetown is poised to serve as a vital bridge connecting local businesses to the vast global network of trade, innovation, and investment.
Executive Chairman Komal Samaroo, in his address, reflected on Guyana’s rich history of trade and economic transformation. He recalled the early days of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and underscored how the evolution of global commerce continues to shape opportunities for Guyana’s private sector.
“Today, the importance of this centre is greater than ever before. Because I believe, once the global system has failed us, then the need for greater bilateral relations need to take place between countries and companies. And businesses need to chart their own course in building their markets– a process that requires knowledge, information and partners,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, said the centre is a timely development, as Guyana is positioned as a point through which northern Brazil and the rest of South America are better able to trade with the Caribbean and other areas.
“With all of these conditions and in particular with a president that is committed to ensuring strong and resilient economic growth going forward, the promotion of trade would seem to be a no-brainer. The establishment of the World Trade Centre Georgetown– it comes precisely at the right moment in our country’s economic history, and we see it as having tremendous potential in relation to unlocking trade opportunities for the rest of the Guyanese private sector,” he said.
Vice Chairman of the World Trade Centre Association, Remy Swaab, in his remarks, said the opening of WTC Georgetown signals new possibilities for Guyana and CARICOM. He described the centre as a catalyst for growth — one that will help entrepreneurs and enterprises reach beyond borders and strengthen the region’s global business connections.
Additionally, Executive Director of the World Trade Centre Bengaluru in India, Vineet Verma, described WTC Georgetown as a vibrant new hub for business and diplomacy, expressing optimism for future collaborations between centres worldwide.
