In recognition of the importance of the involvement of the private sector as the engine for growth and development, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) of Guyana, and the Suriname Trade and Industry Association (VSB) have established the planned Guyana-Suriname Private Sector Business Council, consisting of key representatives of the private sectors of both countries.
This was announced in a PSC release yesterday which also stated that the Council is solely dedicated to the strengthening of economic ties and initiatives regarding the two countries’ shared interests and the creation of the envisioned Single Market and Economy.
According to the release, the Council consists of ten (10) members from the private sectors of both countries. The members from the Surinamese side are Bryan Renten, Derrick Klaverweide, Rishie Parbhudayal and Farsi Khodabux, while the members from the Guyana side are Paul Cheong, Norman Mc Lean, Ryan Alexander, Latoya Jack and Leekha Rambrich.
The first official Council Meeting was held on March 16 and “ambitious but necessary” targets were set, as was a meeting agenda for the next 12 months. The next council meeting is slated to be held in May 2022 in Guyana after which bi-monthly meetings will be held.
The Business Council will have joint leadership, with VSB’s Chairman Bryan Renten elected Chairman for the first six (6) months, after which the chairmanship will be handed over Paul Cheong for the next six (6) months.
The private sector, the release pointed out, will find opportunities to collaborate in the various sectors, and with the assistance of the Guyanese and Surinamese governments are working on the removal of all barriers for the realisation of efficient bilateral trade. “When we come next time, we will not come with a list of issues, but with a detailed strategy,” Renten was quoted as saying.
Cheong, described the day as historic. “The relationship with Suriname is necessary. There are many synergies that we can achieve,” he was quoted as saying.
The newly established Council paid a courtesy call on Surinamese president, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, and shared its intentions and aspirations. Santokhi in turn charged that the relationship between Guyana and Suriname be an example to the region. “We will show the region how it should be done. We don’t sit next to each other as competitors but as partners.”
