Guyana has taken another step toward strengthening its international trade and workforce development agenda with the official launch of the FITTskills Programme, an internationally recognized trade training initiative introduced through a partnership between ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. and the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT).
The programme was formally launched Wednesday evening at the Official Residence of Canada in Georgetown during an event hosted by the Canadian High Commission. The gathering brought together government officials, diplomats, private sector representatives, educators, entrepreneurs, and members of the business community.
Designed to build practical international business competencies, the FITTskills Programme aims to equip professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and organizations with the expertise needed to compete in today’s increasingly globalized economy. The initiative comes as Guyana continues to diversify its economy, expand export opportunities, attract foreign investment, and deepen regional and international trade relationships.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Vishnu Doerga of ActionINVEST Caribbean described the programme as a strategic investment in regional competitiveness and workforce readiness.
“This is more than a training initiative,” Dr. Doerga said. “It is a strategic capacity-building platform for Guyana, Suriname, and the wider Caribbean. We are already participating in global trade, and the priority now is ensuring our people and businesses have the skills to compete confidently and effectively.”
Originally developed in Canada, FITT has established itself over more than three decades as a global leader in international trade training and professional certification. Its programmes are recognized in more than 20 countries and focus on practical skills in export readiness, international sales and marketing, trade finance, global value chains, market entry strategies, and cross-border operations.
Caroline Tompkins, President and CEO of FITT, emphasized the importance of preparing trade-ready professionals and businesses capable of driving economic growth and strengthening national competitiveness.
Also addressing the audience was H.E. Sébastien Sigouin, Ambassador of Canada to Suriname and Plenipotentiary Representative to CARICOM, who highlighted the value of international collaboration in advancing sustainable economic development and knowledge transfer.
“Canadian companies are increasingly exploring opportunities in Guyana and Suriname, but local entrepreneurs must also be equipped to engage effectively in international business environments,” Ambassador Sigouin stated. “Initiatives like this help businesses speak the same language and work together more successfully.”
Dr. Kofi Dalrymple, Presidential Adviser in the Ministry of Education, underscored the growing importance of workforce development and lifelong learning as Guyana becomes more integrated into regional and global markets.
“Training in areas such as international business practices, trade systems, supply chains, compliance standards, and global competitiveness strengthens not only individual careers but national capacity,” Dr. Dalrymple noted.
According to ActionINVEST Caribbean, the programme is intended to support both professional advancement and broader national development goals by helping businesses and individuals gain internationally benchmarked trade competencies.
