The United States continues to remain one of Guyana?s most significant trading partners over the past decade according to that country?s Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission.According to the findings, at the end of 2009 the United States was Guyana?s number one trading partner for imports.Guyana?s imports from the United States are valued in the vicinity US$260M and accounted for 28.7 percent of total merchandise imports for 2009.?At the end of 2009 the United States was Guyana?s number three trading partner for export?In 2009, Guyana?s exports to the United States are valued at US$169M and accounted for 12.3 per cent of total merchandise exports.?According to a recent report emanating from the US, at the end of 2009, Guyana recorded a merchandise trade deficit of US$91.8M as compared to US$142.5M in 2008.An analysis of the Guyana/United States trade relations reveals that at the end of 2009, the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Program accounted for 91.0 per cent of Guyana?s total exports to the United States as compared to 84.9 per cent at the end of 2008.The Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA) Program accounted for 2.7 per cent of Guyana?s total exports to the United States at the end of 2009, as compared to 2.9 per cent at the end of 2008.It was pointed out that at the end of 2009, the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) Program accounted for 5.9 per cent of Guyana?s total exports to the United States as compared to 11.2 per cent at the end of 2008.The Generalized System of Preference (GSP) scheme accounted for 0.4 per cent of Guyana?s total exports to the United States at the end of 2009, as compared to 1.0 per cent at the end of 2008.Guyana continues to take advantage of the Caribbean Basin Initiative Programs (CBERA/CBTPA), specifically in the following sectors: seafood, agriculture,[url=http://www.footlockershop.us@#$%&/Mid/]http://www.footlockershop.us@#$%&/Mid/[/url], forestry and the light manufacturing.As it relates to figures for 2010, Guyana has already imported some $152M and exported $133M worth of commodities to the US.Currently in operation is the Guyana Trade and Investment Support (GTIS) Project, a joint project of the Government of Guyana and the U.S. Government which provides support to enterprises, private sector organizations, and government institutions to identify new markets for Guyanese products and increase exports to regional and international markets.The project, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID),[url=http://www.footlockershop.us@#$%&/Nike-roshe-one-br/]http://www.footlockershop.us@#$%&/Nike-roshe-one-br/[/url], follows a market-led strategy, identifying global demands and then seeking to fulfill them according to the resources available in Guyana.The project emphasizes support for private sector-driven initiatives and activities,[url=http://www.cheapjerseysnear.us@#$%&/]wholesale jerseys china[/url], based on the premise that ultimately it is private enterprise that will provide the impetus required to achieve sustainable export expansion, employment, income generation and economic growth in Guyana. Within this context, GTIS works to support initiatives that address performance,[url=http://www.cheapnfljerseysmr.us@#$%&/]Authentic NFL Jerseys Wholesale[/url], capability and policy gaps that affect firms? abilities to compete in regional and international export markets. This includes: Partnering with international investors/buyers and pioneering domestic firms to access markets; transferring technical know-how, and increasing private sector production and processing capacity. It also includes the provision of technical support for firms to meet basic market requirements and achieve international certifications, as well as supporting membership in industry associations and participation in international trade shows to gather market intelligence and networks with potential buyers and investors among others.Alleged $1500 thief remandedMagistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton yesterday refused bail for a man who is accused of robbing a woman of $1500.The man, Deon Joseph,[url=http://www.footlockershop.us@#$%&/Nike-roshe-one-bt/]http://www.footlockershop.us@#$%&/Nike-roshe-one-bt/[/url], was yesterday not required to plead to the indictable offence of robbery underarms when the charge was read to him.It is alleged that on August 15,[url=http://www.nhl2017.us@#$%&/Detroit-Red-Wings-Chris-Chelios-Jersey/]Chris Chelios Red Wings Jersey[/url], at Victory Valley Linden, Joseph robbed Yvonne Alfonso of the aforementioned sum of money.He was unrepresented, and Police Prosecutor Shellon Daniels made an application for the accused to be remanded to prison.The prosecutor also made a request for the matter to be transferred to the Christianburg Magistrate?s Court.The prosecutor?s application was granted and the accused is now expected to make his second court appearance on August 24.