Guyana seeks to unlock business opportunities through UK trade links

Guyana is aiming to unlock economic growth by strengthening trade partnerships with the United Kingdom, Senior Minister in the Office of the President for Finance Dr Ashni Singh said on Monday.

Speaking at the start of the fifth visiting British Trade Mission to Guyana, Singh said past missions had delivered results, with about 40 per cent of participating firms securing partnerships or commercial deals. He welcomed the delegation, which included newly appointed UK Trade Envoy to the Commonwealth Caribbean Paulette Hamilton, and praised British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller.

Singh added that the Guyanese government was committed to promoting a “diversified and resilient” economy to ensure long-term growth.

Other speakers at the event included Alain Archibald, chargé d’affaires at the British High Commission; Chris Bennet, managing director of the Caribbean Council; and officials from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade.

According to the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, total trade between the UK and Guyana reached £1.6 billion in the year to June 2025 – up £73 million from the year before. UK exports to Guyana were £883 million, down £39 million, while UK imports from Guyana rose to £679 million, an increase of £112 million. Guyana ranked as the UK’s 81st-largest trading partner, accounting for about 0.1 per cent of overall UK trade.

By the end of 2023, UK investment in Guyana stood at £46 million – up £40 million from 2022 – but remained below 0.1 per cent of total UK outward investment. Guyana’s investment in the UK was £1 million, down £8 million from the previous year and likewise under 0.1 per cent of UK inward investment.