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Mr. Paul Kalekyezi
Foreign Trade Department

Overview and functions

The Department of Foreign Trade is the lead body responsible for developing and coordinating implementation of multilateral, regional and bilateral policies affecting Guyana’s trade, vis-a-vis import and exports of goods and services to traditional and emerging markets; and economic relations with other countries.

Functions of the Foreign Trade Department:
•Developing policy positions that reflect Guyana’s trade interests;
•Articulating Guyana’s policy position on trade matters at multilateral, regional and other fora;
•Negotiating trade and economic cooperation agreements with multilateral, regional and bilateral partners;
•Coordinating implementation of Guyana’s commitments made under trade and economic agreements;
•Participating in the development and implementation of regional trade and economic policies under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) including:
•Acting as the focal point body for all CSME matters; and
•Managing applications for suspensions of the CET under the revised treaty of Chaguaramas by Guyanese businesses
•Facilitating private sector and other stakeholder engagement on trade matters in preparation for external trade negotiations. This is done through the National Advisory Committee on External Negotiations (NACEN). Click here for more information on the NACEN.
•Disseminating trade information and undertaking public awareness on topical trade issues;
•Undertaking analysis of trade flows to assess progress under trade agreements; and
•Monitoring and acting on developments in the multilateral trading system.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in the discharge of its mandate to promote the interests of Guyana within the international community, is committed to preserving the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to contributing to the economic and social development of the Guyanese people. The Ministry is equally committed to promoting the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, maintaining active relationships with the diplomatic community through skilled, dedicated diplomatic and administrative staff, and ensuring effective utilisation of its financial and material resources.

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