Guyana took a major step toward strengthening its international trade capacity and preparing its workforce for global opportunities with the successful launch of the FITTskills Programme on Wednesday evening at the Official Residence of Canada in Georgetown.
The launch event by ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. in partnership with the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) and hosted by the Canadian High Commission, brought together representatives from government, the diplomatic community, private sector organizations, education institutions, and the business community to formally introduce the internationally recognized trade training programme to Guyana.
The FITTskills Programme is designed to equip professionals, entrepreneurs, students and organizations with practical international business competencies needed to compete in today’s increasingly global economy. The initiative arrives at a critical point in Guyana’s development as the country continues to diversify its economy, expand exports, attract international investment, and strengthen regional and global trade relationships.
Speaking at the launch, representatives emphasized that Guyana’s long-term competitiveness will depend not only on economic growth, but also on developing the skills and expertise required to participate effectively in international markets. Dr. Vishnu Doerga of ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. described the programme as “a practical, business-focused international trade training program” designed “by business for business with the emphasis on real-world application rather than theory alone.”
He noted that the launch represents more than a training initiative, calling it “a strategic capacity-building platform for Guyana, Suriname, and the wider Caribbean,” adding that the programme’s theme, Mastering Global Trade in the Caribbean, reflects the reality that “Guyana and Suriname are not standing at the edge of global trade anymore; we are already in it.” He further emphasized that the region’s responsibility now is to ensure that its people, companies, and institutions “have the capability to participate intelligently, negotiate confidently, and really benefit meaningfully.”
Originally developed in Canada by the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT), the programme has grown into a globally respected standard for international trade training and professional certification. FITT’s training and certification frameworks are used internationally to help businesses and professionals build practical competencies in areas such as export readiness, international sales and marketing, global value chains, trade finance, market entry strategies, and cross-border business operations.
Founded more than three decades ago, FITT has established itself as a global leader in international trade training and certification, with its programmes and professional designations recognized in more than 20 countries.
During the launch, Caroline Tompkins, President and CEO of FITT, highlighted the importance of developing trade-ready professionals and businesses capable of succeeding internationally and strengthening national competitiveness through practical skills development.
Remarks were also delivered by H.E. Sébastien Sigouin, Ambassador of Canada to Suriname and Plenipotentiary Representative to CARICOM, who underscored the value of international partnerships in supporting sustainable economic development and knowledge transfer. He noted that while Canadian companies continue to explore opportunities in Guyana and Suriname, local entrepreneurs must also be equipped to engage effectively in international business environments.
“This is really something that I believe in: building the skills of entrepreneurs in Guyana,” Ambassador Sigouin stated. “Because it’s fine for Canadian companies to come here, but once they come here, with Guyanese entrepreneurs, they have to be able to talk the same language; they have to be able to work together effectively. When they go to Suriname, the same thing as well. So this is really the importance of an initiative like this one.”
The evening additionally featured a presentation by Dr. Kofi Dalrymple, Presidential Adviser in the Ministry of Education, who spoke on the growing importance of skills development, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning in preparing Guyanese professionals for emerging global opportunities. He described the collaboration between FITT and ActionINVEST as “more than the launch of a training program,” but rather “an investment in human capital development, professional excellence, and regional competitiveness.”
Dr. Dalrymple further noted that as Guyana becomes increasingly integrated into regional and international markets, there is growing demand for professionals who understand trade systems, international business practices, compliance standards, supply chains, and global competitiveness. “Training in these areas strengthens not only individual careers but national capacity,” he stated.
ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., the authorized FITTskills delivery partner for Guyana and the Caribbean, noted that the programme is intended to support both individual career advancement and broader national development goals by helping businesses and professionals gain internationally benchmarked trade competencies.
The programme offers pathways toward globally recognized credentials including:
- FITT Certificate in International Trade
- FITT Diploma in International Trade
- Eligibility toward the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP® | FIBP®) designation
Courses will be delivered through live online instruction with practical, regionally relevant applications designed to support Caribbean businesses and professionals operating in international markets.
Organizers noted strong interest from participants across sectors including business development, logistics, manufacturing, export services, sales and marketing, education, entrepreneurship, and public sector trade support.
The launch concluded with a networking reception that encouraged dialogue on the future of trade education, export development, and professional capacity building in Guyana.
Enrollment for upcoming FITTskills courses is now open.
For programme information and registration, visit:
https://actioninvest.org/fitt/
