The governments of Guyana and Brazil recently signed a Memorandum of Under-standing (MOU) to promote bilateral communication and co-operation in the area of phytosanitary security which is expected to pave the way for agricultural trade between the two countries begin.

According to the Govern-ment Information Agency (GINA), the MOU was signed on April 26 during the Caricom/Brazil summit in Brazil. Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, who led Guyana’s team to the summit, was quoted as saying that the MOU enables the countries to “conclude outstanding matters, so that trade can begin.

According to the release, Guyana can now increase and expedite agricultural trade with Brazil in keeping with the country’s long-term plans for development of Rupununi, as a major area for food production with rice, soya, sugar, fruits and vegetables.

“This will open-up greater possibilities given the fact that we have several investors who are about to commence activities within that region, but for their activities and investments to succeed they would require some framework that will allow them access in to the Brazilian market,” Persaud was quoted as saying.

He said the MOU will also allow Rice Tech, a European company based in Brazil to commence operations in Guyana since his ministry has already identified the area and concluded the interim investment with the company.

According to GINA, provisions in the MOU include mutual consultation mechanism, resolution for differences that may arise and establishing mechanisms for cooperation in the border region through a joint working plan.

It also states that whenever necessary the two countries shall co-operate to reach the necessary technical solution as soon as possible and each party will establish a point of contact.