BVI DEPUTY PREMIER HON. LORNA SMITH, OBE LEADS SUCCESSFUL TRADE MISSION, STRENGTHENING ECONOMIC TIES WITH GUYANA
15/08/2023
A landmark trade mission led by the Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Hon. Lorna Smith OBE, has culminated in resounding success. The 17-member delegation embarked on a journey from July 30 to August 4 to present the British Virgin Islands' (BVI) robust financial services offerings, the advantages of utilising BVI corporate structures, and the nation's expertise in facilitating global cross-border business.
The initiative featured a packed agenda, fostering meetings and presentations with the Guyanese Government and prominent members of the Guyanese business sectors. These engagements aimed at creating collaborative opportunities, enhancing bilateral trade, and promoting mutual economic growth between the two nations.
The meetings included discussions with Prime Minister, Hon. Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Anthony Phillips, M.S.S.; the Guyana Private Sector Commission; the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association; the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Senior Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh; the Minister for Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Hon. Oneidge Walrond MP; the Bar Association of Guyana; the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana; the Realtor Association of Guyana; Rotary Club of Georgetown; British Chamber of Commerce of Guyana; the American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana; the Center for Local Business Development; the Guyana Oil and Gas Chamber; the Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo; the Guyana Association of Bankers Inc; the Guyana Association of Securities Companies and Intermediaries Inc.; and the Foreign Minister, Hon. Hugh Hilton Todd MP.
The discussions during the trade mission were branded by a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding, leading to the exploration of potential joint ventures, investment opportunities, and the exchange of best practices in financial services and business facilitation.
The core theme centered around strengthening ties between the BVI and Guyana, as both nations share a dedicated commitment to regional cooperation and economic development.
The BVI delegation highlighted the jurisdiction's status as a premier global financial centre and underscored its continued dedication to transparency, compliance, and excellence in financial services.