EU Ambassador says Guyana should not fear overnight tariff/trade changes as ties deepen beyond oil

European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Luca Pierantoni, on Thursday night said the EU’s relationship with Guyana is rooted in decades of partnership and not driven solely by the country’s booming oil and gas sector.

Speaking at a Europe Day reception held at Herdmanston Lodge, Ambassador Pierantoni stressed that the European Union has maintained a longstanding presence in Guyana since the country gained independence.

“The EU is not in Guyana because of the oil boom,” Pierantoni declared during his address. “We did not arrive after the drilling operations began.”

The ambassador noted that the European Union had supported Guyana through “challenging times” and remained committed to the country’s development before its emergence as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

He pointed to longstanding cooperation initiatives, including forest preservation programmes, while describing the EU as “a reliable and trustworthy partner.”

Pierantoni also sought to reassure Guyanese businesses and policymakers about the stability of trade relations with Europe amid growing global economic uncertainty.

“Our trade is framed in an Economic Partnership Agreement, which guarantees fairness and a stable setup for international trade changes,” he said. “There are no tariffs, no possible announcements of changes in trading conditions overnight.”

The comments come at a time when countries worldwide are grappling with shifting trade policies, rising geopolitical tensions and concerns over protectionist measures in major economies.

The ambassador described Guyana as a country undergoing “rapid social, economic and cultural change,” noting that it has become “more confident, more assertive and increasingly influential” both regionally and globally.
He said there remains “enormous untapped potential” for cooperation between Guyana and the European Union, particularly in business, technology, education, research and cultural exchange.

According to Pierantoni, the EU is seeking to strengthen links between European and Guyanese businesses, researchers, students and public institutions through initiatives under its Global Gateway agenda.

He highlighted recent business missions involving sectors such as health, agro-processing, digital technology and connectivity, while also pointing to efforts to improve visa facilitation for Guyanese travelling to Europe.

The ambassador further revealed that European interest in Guyana continues to expand, referencing France’s recent establishment of an embassy in Georgetown and growing engagement from other EU member states.

He also underscored the importance of academic and cultural collaboration, citing partnerships with the and initiatives in biotechnology, music, sports and the arts.

On the geopolitical front, Pierantoni reaffirmed the EU’s support for multilateralism, democracy and the rules-based international order, warning that global tensions continue to rise amid ongoing conflicts, including Russia’s war in Ukraine.
He said the EU remains committed to working with Guyana and the wider Caribbean region as a long-term partner.

“This is what friendship is about,” the ambassador said. “We were here when this country was in a much more difficult situation, we remain here, and we will be here in the future.”