Brazil and Guyana Advance Toward Implementation of Long-Standing Land Transport Agreement

Brasília, December 15, 2025 — Brazil and Guyana have taken a significant step toward implementing the Bilateral Land Transport Agreement signed in 2003, which has remained inactive for more than two decades. The progress was marked during a high-level meeting held at the Embassy of Guyana in Brasília, reaffirming the commitment of both governments to overcome technical obstacles and operationalize the agreement.

The meeting brought together representatives from the National Land Transport Agency of Brazil (ANTT) and the Government of Guyana, including ANTT Director Severino Medeiros, General Coordinator for International Relations Cálicles Mânica, Guyana’s Ambassador to Brazil, Compton Bourne, Deputy Head of Mission Melissa Tucker, and Minister-Counsellor Vernon Robinson.

Throughout 2025, technical discussions between the two countries identified key challenges that have prevented the agreement’s implementation, particularly issues related to complementary licensing procedures for passenger and freight transport operators. At present, no such licenses have been issued, despite growing cross-border transport demand.

During the meeting, Guyanese authorities also highlighted the existence of irregular transport operations between Brazil and Georgetown, underscoring the urgency of establishing a regulated framework that ensures legal certainty, safety, and effective oversight.

Diretor da ANTT, Severino Medeiros, ao lado do embaixador da Guiana no Brasil, Compon Bourne

According to ANTT Director Severino Medeiros, direct cooperation between the two countries is essential:
“This agreement has been ready for more than 20 years, and it is crucial to put it into operation as soon as possible. ANTT and the Brazilian Government are fully committed to supporting its implementation.”

Discussions also addressed border infrastructure, with both sides agreeing that initial operations should prioritize the use of existing facilities, such as current bus terminals and customs posts, to avoid delays associated with large-scale construction projects.

ANTT reiterated its willingness to provide technical support to advance the process, including the possibility of organizing a technical mission or meeting in Georgetown to expedite licensing and operational arrangements.

The implementation of the Land Transport Agreement is expected to deliver concrete benefits to both countries, including safer and more efficient passenger and cargo transport, reduced informality, enhanced trade flows, and stronger regional integration. The initiative aligns with ANTT’s institutional mission to promote regulated, secure, and efficient land transport, extending its impact beyond Brazil’s national borders.