World Trade Centre Georgetown to Launch with Packed Week of Activities

The official launch of the World Trade Centre Georgetown (WTCG) will be marked by a full week  of business and networking events from October 19 to 24, 2025, intensifying Guyana’s work as  part of the global World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) network. 

Executive Chairman of WTCG, Komal Samaroo, said the planned activities were designed to  ensure the private sector is at the heart 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.” 

The programme begins on Sunday, October 19, with the arrival of international delegations. On  Monday, October 20, a welcome reception will bring together visiting officials, ministers, and local  business leaders. Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd,  will deliver the welcome remarks. 

The highlight of the week will be on Tuesday, October 21, with the official launch ceremony at  WTCG’s Kingston headquarters which was commissioned in June this year. Guyana’s President,  Dr. Irfaan Ali, has been invited to deliver the keynote address. Remarks will also come from WTCA  Vice Chairman, Remy Swaab and Managing Director World Trade Centre Bengaluru, India Vineet  Verma. This will be followed by a formal launch dinner will feature presentations by international  trade specialists, government ministers, and global advisors on Guyana’s growing role in  international commerce. Olinda Salguero, Vice President of the Latin American and Caribbean  Presidential Mission is the featured speaker. 

October 22 starts with a presentation from Dr Peter Ramsaroop, Chief Executive Officer Guyana  Office for Investment, focusing on Doing Business in and with Guyana. This is followed by a panel  on the Effective Use of Artificial Intelligence & Digital Platforms by MSME’s featuring Luis  Carlos Martinez, President of WTC Ibague (Colombia); Sharazade Kirton, Digital Marketing  Director, Loews Hotel Group; and Roger Singh-Co-Founder, Scalar Performance Inc. (Canada).  

Another panel then delves into: Successfully Navigating the Current Global Trade Environment,  featuring Vaughn Renwick-Chief Executive Officer, West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers  Association (WIRSPA), Karen Gerwitz-President & CEO, World Trade Centre Denver/WTCA  Board Member; and Abiola Heyliger, International Trade Policy Analyst/Former Trade Negotiator,  United States Trade Representative’s Office, Washington DC

On October 23, international trade expert Sandra Ann Baptiste, CITP, will lead a one-day training  seminar on “Successful Exhibiting: Effective Planning and Marketing for Trade Shows”. 

The remaining activities for the week will include luncheons and networking forums engaging  micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as well as large corporations.  

Samaroo emphasised that the activities demonstrate the Centre’s long-term mission. “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 growing position in the international  trading system.