The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is hosting a series of workshops for rural communities aimed at enhancing stakeholder awareness on trade issues and building capacity in exploiting related business opportunities.

In a press release the ministry said the initiative is being undertaken through the National Advisory Committee on External Negotiations and in collaboration with the European Union Trade.Com facility. It said the initiatives are a continuation of the dialogue between the government and private sector to inform stakeholders about trade opportunities arising from the just-concluded trade agreement with the European Union (EU). The ministry also said the workshops are being held in response to the need for sensitization and capacity-building related to the implementation of the Cariforum-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.

The month-long workshops will be held in eight rural communities including women’s groups and other non-state actors starting this month. The release said communities in Berbice, Linden, Essequibo and Amerindian communities in regions one, two and nine are expected to benefit.

Three workshops will be held in each area. The first is intended to build awareness among stakeholders on the provisions of the trade agreements, including the Caricom Single Market and Economy. This will be followed by round table discussions aimed at identifying potential business opportunities arising from the provisions of the new trading arrangements, identifying challenges and threats and receiving guidance on market requirements. The final sessions will focus on business/investment planning and sources of technical assistance or support.

The ministry said communities will be informed of the dates for the workshops in the respective areas. Stakeholders can also contact the ministry for more information.