Bilateral trade in physical goods between Guyana and the United States surpassed a record-breaking US$4.7 billion over the past year, underscoring the deepening economic ties between the two nations.
U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, announced the milestone during the 249th U.S. Independence Day celebration held Friday night at her official residence.
“Over the past year, we’ve reached another milestone. Bilateral trade in physical goods alone surpassed US$4.7 billion, a new record,” Ambassador Theriot said. “The number of U.S. companies working with Guyanese partners continues to grow, along with sustained investment across many sectors. Since last year’s event, we’ve celebrated many new ventures – from company launches and grand openings to groundbreaking partnerships.”
Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, hailed the expanding trade and strengthening partnership, emphasizing the government’s commitment to diversifying trade and enhancing market accessibility in key sectors such as agriculture, technology, and infrastructure.
“As our country actively engages in strengthening our framework for bilateral trade, we continue to be optimistic about the diversification of our trade relations,” Dr. Ali stated. “We are focusing on boosting domestic food production, enhancing food and nutrition security, and reducing import dependence.”
Dr. Ali further highlighted that Guyana’s national agenda centers on uplifting communities, accelerating economic growth, and creating opportunities through collaboration with partners like the United States.
The partnership between Guyana and the U.S. spans more than five decades, involving joint efforts to build capacity across sectors including combating transnational crime, modernizing agriculture, and advancing technology adoption.
Ambassador Theriot described the partnership as “far beyond mere words,” noting significant progress in military, security, and law enforcement cooperation. “Now more than ever, Guyana’s military and security cooperation is at the strongest it has ever been.”
She praised recent law enforcement successes such as joint operations between the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Guyana’s Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit, which seized thousands of kilograms of illegal drugs last year.
“Joint operations like these strengthen our collective security and make Guyana a regional leader and a stabilizing force in South America and the Caribbean,” the Ambassador added.
In a firm stance on national security, President Ali pledged to intensify efforts against gold smuggling, warning that illicit trade could empower undemocratic forces.
“We are putting enormous resources into ensuring that the threat of illicit gold smuggling, which can help to empower or safeguard undemocratic forces, is uprooted with our partnership,” he said.
President Ali concluded by reaffirming Guyana’s commitment to a peaceful and stable region and welcomed U.S. support ahead of the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
“As Guyana prepares for its upcoming elections, we welcome the support of the U.S. in ensuring a fair, transparent, and credible electoral process,” he affirmed.
