GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) says. At the same time, the Canadian government remains receptive to allowing visa-free access to the North American country; it is disappointing that Guyana was not among the countries whose citizens will now enjoy visa-free entry to Canada.
“With a diaspora of over 85,000 in Canada, the GCCI believes that removal of the visa restriction of Guyanese to Canada will engender improved trade relations, support deeper commercial and economic ties and support economic growth for both territories,” the GCCI said.
Canada Tuesday said it would allow visa-free travel to “known travelers” from 13 more countries, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Kitts-Nevis.
Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, said that the “known travelers” will be allowed entry into the country after obtaining an electronic travel authorization.
A known traveler holds a Canadian visa, obtained one over the last ten years, or holds a valid United States visa. The electronic travel authorization will be proper for five years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
In its statement, GCCI said that while it views the move by Canada as a positive one to engender economic growth, it “would like to take the opportunity to reiterate its call for visa-free access for Guyanese to Canada.
“Having established diplomatic relations with Guyana since 1964, the two countries have developed strong economic and commercial ties, developed on mutual respect for democracy and enterprise.”
The GCCI said that currently, Guyana is the third largest merchandising partner with Canada in the Caribbean Community and is one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
“The GCCI itself continues to deepen relations with Canada, having established MoUs with several sister agencies in the country, hosting and fielding trade missions, and continuing to work to support partnerships between Guyanese and Canadian companies.”
The GCCI said it would be wanted to thank Canada and the Canadian people for its continued leadership role in global affairs and support for Guyana’s development and anticipates continued cooperation with Canada’s government and private sector.
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