By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
The recent arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has triggered widespread apprehension across the Western Hemisphere, particularly among countries heavily engaged in international trade, prompting renewed debate about sovereignty, economic stability, and regional cooperation.
These concerns were at the forefront of discussions on Tuesday when the World Trade Centre Georgetown hosted a high-level forum examining the challenges and opportunities facing global and regional trade in light of Venezuela’s evolving political climate.
Participants at the forum noted that while some governments have condemned the arrest as a violation of state sovereignty, others are increasingly concerned about the broader economic repercussions, including potential disruptions to trade relations, energy markets, and technological collaboration across Latin America and the Caribbean.
The forum explored how international trade, energy production, and technological development continue to shape the political and economic trajectory of the region. Particular attention was paid to the implications of United States actions in Venezuela and the resulting uncertainty for hemispheric trade and investment.
Former President of Bolivia Jorge Quiroga addressed the gathering, offering insight into the complexities of regional integration and trade diplomacy. He highlighted the difficulty of advancing free trade agreements between South American blocs and North American partners, noting strong commodity ties between South America and Asian markets.
“In South America we have strong commodity links to the Asian market, and as we move ahead, unfortunately, because of the turn of the world, it is difficult to envision progress on integration with North American countries,” Quiroga said.
He further pointed out that trade negotiations with major economies such as the United States remain lengthy and politically challenging, particularly given the hurdles posed by the U.S. congressional approval process.
Chairman of the World Trade Centre Georgetown Komal Samaroo emphasized the importance of strategic thinking and adaptability by Guyanese businesses. He stressed that for Guyana to succeed as an outward-looking and globally competitive economy, the private sector must actively pursue international opportunities.
“Transitioning from a domestic market to an international market requires many adjustments—culturally and otherwise in business,” Samaroo said, adding that such adaptation is essential for companies seeking access to global markets.
The forum underscored the growing need for resilience, informed policymaking, and proactive private sector engagement as geopolitical shifts continue to reshape the global trading environment. For Guyana and the wider region, stakeholders agreed that navigating these uncertainties will be critical to sustaining growth and regional integration.
