DDL gets license to open World Trade Center Guyana

Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) on Thursday announced that it has officially received its licence for the opening of a World Trade Center Guyana from the New York-headquartered World Trade Center Association (WTCA).

The World Trade Center Guyana office will be located at DDL’s High Street, Kingston building.

This is the first World Trade Center (WTC) to be set up in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) following several months of negotiations between DDL and WTCA. This new venture by DDL will provide a range of opportunities for local businesses and organisations to enhance their networking capabilities globally, the company said in a statement.

During a virtual ceremony, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond lauded the company for “yet again breaking new ground and forging new paths that blaze a trail for others here to follow.” She said, “I have noted especially the role that the World Trade Centre Association aims to play in facilitating international trade and in the development of Small and Medium Enterprises.”

The ceremony was also attended by Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine, WTCA Chairman, John Drew, Former Secretary-General of the Central American Integration System (SICA), Vinicio Cerezo and DDL Executive Chairman Komal Samaroo.

Former Secretary-General of the Central American Integration System (SICA), Vinicio Cerezo, pointed out that Guyana with its English roots has always represented a special link with neighbours in north America. “By hosting the headquarters of CARICOM you are connecting Latin America with the Caribbean. The meeting recently with SICA and CARICOM was very important, showing that every day we have to work together and join forces on many multilateral and corporation issues,” he noted.

The former SICA Secretary General added that Guyana is creating a platform to enhance relationships through the private sector, especially empowering the small and medium-size businesses that will have a positive impact both in Guyana and the region.

Chairman of DDL, Komal Samaroo in his acceptance of the WTC licence said the establishment of the World Trade Centre, Georgetown, Guyana will be providing a service to all of Guyana by linking the efforts of businesses in the country with potential international partners to expand trade and business relations across the world.

Samaroo added, “It is my view that in the rapidly expanding economic space in Guyana in the future, the World Trade Centre can serve the nation and its businesses well, in helping to realise its full potential while providing World Trade Centres around the world with access to potential partners in Guyana.”

There are over 320 World Trade Centers in more than 100 countries on every continent globally. The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) stimulates trade and investment opportunities for commercial property developers, economic development agencies, and international businesses looking to connect globally and prosper locally.

The association serves as an ‘international ecosystem’ of global connections, iconic properties, and integrated trade services under the umbrella of a prestigious brand.