Overview
The Department of Commerce attracts sustainable investment and makes trade and business easier through licensing and trade policy. It works closely with the business community and the regional Chambers of Commerce so that policy reflects the conditions businesses actually face.
Its Licensing Section issues import and export licences within 24 hours, under the Trade Act Cap. 91:01 and the Official Gazette of 1996. There is no charge for processing a licence.
Licensing
The Department issues import and export licences under the Trade Act Cap. 91:01 and the Official Gazette (1996). Every item on the Gazette list is a controlled item, so it must be endorsed by the relevant regulatory agency first.
Help Desk Service Centre
Tailored advice for businesses and investors. Call the Help Desk on (+592) 225-0999.
National Business Confidence Index
Since 2018 the Department compiles the National Business Confidence Index, which measures how optimistic businesses are about the economy. The survey runs every year in all ten administrative regions and guides the Ministry’s policy decisions.
Private sector outreach
Each year the Department visits every regional Chamber and its members to find the issues affecting business, so that policy and remedial action can follow.
Business registration hubs
Three hubs in Regions 6, 8 and 9. Since they opened in 2018, 486 businesses have registered through them.
Training for businesses
Training through the regional Chambers in sales, marketing and standardisation, with accounting procedures to come. In 2019, 96 businesses received personalised training.
Trade agreement fact sheets
The Department analyses Guyana’s trade agreements and publishes plain-language fact sheets, so businesses can use the opportunities in them.
Trade facilitation councils
With the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Department sits on trade councils for Cuba and India.