Georgetown, T&T Chambers sign deal to tackle trade barriers

Jul 09, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday committing both organisations to closer cooperation on bilateral trade and to jointly address non-tariff barriers hampering Guyana’s exports to Trinidad and Tobago.

The agreement was signed by GCCI President Kathy Smith and T&T Chamber President Karen Yip Chuck during a signing ceremony held in the GCCI’s boardroom. Also on hand were Priya Marajh, President and CEO of the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago, and Dr. Vashti Guyadeen, CEO of the T&T Chamber.

Georgetown, T&T Chambers sign deal to tackle trade barriers

The agreement was signed by GCCI President Kathy Smith and T&T Chamber President Karen Yip Chuck.

Smith described collaboration as one of the GCCI’s core values and said the MoU targets a specific set of long-standing trade obstacles.

“This Memorandum of Understanding is geared towards addressing key issues affecting trade between Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana particularly non-tariff barriers,” Smith said. “We will work towards actively identifying and resolving barriers to market access and other challenges, and cooperatively address these for mutual benefit.”

GCCI President Kathy Smith (left) and T&T Chamber President Karen Yip Chuck after the signing ceremony.

She added that the partnership will extend beyond trade barriers to joint projects aimed at expanding economic and social opportunities for members and business communities in both countries, including shared research on sectors with strong development potential. Advocacy with regulatory agencies and other key stakeholders will also form part of the effort, she said.

Yip Chuck framed the signing as the start of a longer-term partnership rather than a one-off formality.

“Today’s signing is not simply about executing a Memorandum of Understanding, rather it is about creating an enduring framework through which the private sectors of our two countries can work together to identify challenges, advocate for solutions and unlock new opportunities for business,” she said.

Officials from both chambers noted that discussions on bilateral trade issues date back to 2022, with particular focus on easing the export of Guyanese agricultural products into the Trinidad and Tobago market. Under the new MoU, a working group will be established to track implementation and ensure the agreement’s objectives are met on schedule.

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GCCI, MOU, trade barriers, TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce

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