Guyana is increasingly positioning itself as an important voice in the international trade debate. Through its participation in the 55th General Assembly and Global Business Forum of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), the country is asserting its ambition to play an active role in shaping the future rules of world trade. This event, which takes place from April 6 to 9 in Marseille, brings together over 300 participants from 50 countries to reflect on changes in international trade and strategies for adapting economies large and small.
A major diplomatic and economic opportunity
Guyana is taking part in this high-level event through the World Trade Centre Georgetown (WTCG). The theme of this year’s annual forum is: “Gateway to the Mediterranean. For Guyana, this is a unique opportunity to strengthen its alliances, promote its economic interests and draw inspiration from the successful models of other countries.
“The forum comes at a time when many nations are reassessing their trade policies in the face of tariffs imposed by major economies like the United States,” said Komal Samaroo, Executive Chairman of the WTCG. In his view, the future global trading system must integrate the interests of small nations if it is to be truly inclusive and sustainable.
A rapidly changing international context
The WTCA Global Business Forum takes place at a time when geopolitical tensions, weakened supply chains and the rise of protectionist policies are making international trade more complex. Countries such as China, Brazil, India, Canada and the United States are represented in Marseille, testifying to the event’s global reach.
Highlights of the forum included a talk by Angela Ellard, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Her speech focuses on the challenges that will shape international trade in 2025. In particular, she addressed :
- The risks of commercial fragmentation,
- The impact of tariff barriers on exports,
- Growth opportunities thanks to digital transformation and new technologies,
- And the need to strengthen multilateral cooperation for a fairer trading system.
These themes resonate particularly well with Guyana’s concerns, as it seeks to integrate itself more effectively into global value chains while diversifying its economy.
Guyana, the voice of small economies
Historically under-represented in major trade negotiations, small states like Guyana take advantage of this type of forum to make their voices heard. The country doesn’t just attend: it actively contributes to the discussions, sharing its experience and advocating a more balanced development model.
In particular, WTC Georgetown is committed to defending the interests of the Caribbean region, highlighting the need for fair access to markets, technical support for SMEs, and investment in logistics infrastructure. Komal Samaroo’s speech is in line with this logic, calling for “international trade to serve all, not just the great powers”.
Setting course for the blue economy: a sustainable vision
Another major topic featured at this 55th edition: the blue economy. A round table, organized in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), examined the role of the private sector in building sustainable industrial value chains linked to oceans and coastal zones.
Guyana, with its vast maritime resources and richly biodiverse Atlantic coastline, is keenly interested in this dynamic. The blue economy represents a viable growth avenue for the country, reconciling environmental protection and economic development. The priority sectors identified are
- Environmentally-friendly coastal tourism,
- Integrated marine planning,
- The development of modern port infrastructures,
- Sustainable shipbuilding and maritime logistics.
The aim is to build a resilient maritime industry capable of generating added value while preserving marine ecosystems.
An international presence that counts
Guyana’s participation in such an event testifies to its desire to establish a foothold in international economic discussions and to forge structuring partnerships. By working closely with bodies such as the WTO and UNIDO, the country not only enhances its visibility, but also its ability to influence global decisions in favor of small economies.
It also sends a strong signal to the Guyanese diaspora and to foreign investors: Guyana is transforming itself, opening up, and wants to be a dynamic and responsible player in tomorrow’s global trade.
Guyana on the road to active economic diplomacy
By taking part in Marseille alongside the major trading powers, Guyana is proving that it is no longer just an observer, but a committed partner in redefining the rules of world trade. Its participation in the Global Business Forum 2025 is a milestone in its ambition to become a regional economic hub capable of influencing major international trends. Through Guyana, the Caribbean is asserting its role in a world in transition, where every voice counts in building a fairer, more sustainable common future.
