A delegation comprising representatives from the private sector and the Government of Guyana departs today for Cuba to attend the FIHAV (Havana International Fair) 2016 in a bid to improve business relations between the countries.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, who heads the delegation, explained that while Cuba and Guyana have enjoyed a longstanding, healthy and friendly relationship, trade between the two countries has not reflected this. “I think it is in acknowledgement of this that effort has been made on both sides to do something about it,” Gaskin said, while complimenting Cuba’s ambassador to Guyana Julio Marchante for his continuous advocacy.
“The actual trade fair will provide excellent opportunities for our local businesses to network with not just with Cuban companies, but …other countries around the world,” Gaskin said.
Roraima Group of Companies CEO Gerry Gouveia, who is part of the private sector delegation, explained that the group will fly direct flight from Guyana to Cuba via Ez Sky Airways. While in Cuba, he added, the Honduras-based airline will be looking to discuss the expansion of its landing rights in this country. If this comes to fruition, it will see regular direct flights to Cuba, as well as a range of services. Gouveia said there will be a focus on tourism and developing relationships that will see more Cubans coming to Guyana and vice versa.
Marchante also expressed similar sentiments and explained that while it is a historical trip, the Guyanese delegation will be able to approach any sector and other businesses to share their many experiences with Guyana especially in developing the tourism industry. The Cuban government has also been training, free of charge, large numbers of our young people every year.
Thirteen representatives from seven companies are part of the delegation and they will be looking to expand the horizons of their businesses and to seek exposure for what Guyana has to offer to, not just Cuba, but the rest of the world. Carlton Joao and Dwain Bristol of Banks DIH Ltd; Ruth Autar and Rishma Ajodha, of the Beharry Group of Companies; Allison Butters-Grant of Global Seafoods; Nizam Hassan of the Guyana Rice Development Board; Oswald Motilal of Gafson’s Industries; Gouveia, Dellon Murray, and Priscilla Ramcharran of Roraima Airways; ad special guest Wesley Kirton and Uchenna Gibson and Roy Blackman from the Guyana Office for Investment make up the delegation, which will be headed by the minister.
Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Eddie Boyer expressed pleasure at the fact that Gaskin is accompanying the private sector representatives. “Some of our delegates will be seeking new markets in Cuba, while others are hoping to source raw materials at competitive cost, but they all expect to seize the opportunity to network and forge new business relationships during the mission and we wish them success,” he also said.
