The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce today signed a Memorandum of Understand (MoU) to address key issues affecting trade between Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana—particularly non-tariff barriers.

Under the agreement, which was signed by GCCI President Kathy Smith and T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce President, Karen Yip Chuck, the two sides intend to identify and resolve barriers to market access.

Smith said trade between Guyana and Trinidad has been lopsided for decades, and the MoU is intended to create a leveled playing field by addressing the non-tariff barriers currently hindering trade between the two countries.

“When we examine trade between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago over the last 25 years, there is a notable disparity in exports verses imports. In 2000, Guyana exports to Trinidad and Tobago [was] US$23 million, while imports stood at US$83 million. In 2025, Guyana’s import value from Trinidad and Tobago stood at US$1 Billion, while export stood at US$60.9 million. This collaboration between the two chambers seeks to address these gaps by eliminating non-tariff barriers to trade,” Smith said.

Smith said with Guyana moving to further diversify its economy through the expansion of its production sectors, and the advancement of the manufacturing sector, it is important to have greater access to markets such as those in Trinidad and Tobago.

“With the cost of electricity expected to be slashed by 50% and the establishment of the Wales Manufacturing Zone, we are ramping up our manufacturing sector in all areas from agro-processing to value added production. Balance in market access is therefore crucial,” the GCCI President said.

GCCI and T&T Chamber of Commerce have long discussed the non-tariff barriers hindering trade, but under the MoU, the two sides are hoping to adopt a more formal approach to address trade issues that have long plagued the countries.

Smith said while Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Investment is taking steps to have the Beekeeping and Bee Products legislation to allow the importation and transshipment of Guyanese honey to bring an end to a longstanding ban, Guyana still faces numerous challenges in the exportation of other agricultural products to T&T including pineapples and peppers due to requirements set out.

The President of T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce said the signing of the MoU is a significant step in strengthening the economic relationship between Trinidad and Guyana.

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

She said the MoU has long been in the pipeline dating back to 2023 when their past presidents initiated the process of identifying the non-tariff barriers affecting trade between the two countries.

Through this MoU, the two Chambers will be working collaboratively on projects to enhance economic and social opportunities for their local private sectors.

They intend to share expertise in relevant areas, and develop programmes to facilitate knowledge transfer, while creating new linkages with state agencies and other stakeholders that are critical to trade and investment facilitation.

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