The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) says it remains optimistic about plans to remove visa restrictions in the future on Guyanese nationals entering Canada.
In a statement, the GCCI said senior officials of the private sector group held discussions with Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Kevin Berman on the issue and that they were assured “that discussions were underway to remove visa restrictions altogether in the future, a decision that both parties are optimistic about”.
The GCCI delegation, which included its president, Kester Hutson, and Senior Vice President, Richard Rambarran, also discussed with the Canadian diplomat “the need to improve transportation infrastructure for cargo shipping and direct flights between the two nations”.
The statement said that during the meeting, the parties discussed the potential for strategic partnerships between Guyana and Canada in various sectors, including agro-processing, tourism, and other traditional sectors.
“The High Commissioner emphasised the importance of maximising the opportunities available in both nations through collaboration and cooperation. To this end, GCCI is currently working to organise more outgoing trade missions to Canada, with the aim of fostering stronger ties between the two countries,” the statement added.
The statement quoted Hutson as expressing his gratitude to the High Commissioner “for his engagement and commitment to strengthening the relationship between Guyana and Canada.
“With continued cooperation, there is no doubt that both nations can achieve great success together,” the statement added.
The United Kingdom recently removed its visa requirement for Guyanese travellers wishing to stay in the country for up to six months once they meet specific requirements, which include having access to enough funds to support their stay. – CMC
