Dear Editor,
I have taken note of the Stabroek Business article titled, “Local agro processors hopeful that Florida Trade Expo will aid recovery from COVID business blues” (Stabroek Business August 26, 2022). This follows a Stabroek Business Editorial of August 19, 2022, titled “Gov’t must ‘cough up’ for agro-processors participation in Florida Trade Fair”.
Editor, an inescapable feature in the task of governing, is the need to manage finite resources in the face of competing priorities. Thus, while Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce works tirelessly to support small business development, in the face of finite resources, the unfortunate reality is that not all deserving initiatives can receive financial support. Additionally, such initiatives as are supported, are usually those for which provision has been made in the Appropriations Act which is carefully crafted prior to the year of expenditure to execute the vision of the Government. It is therefore not always possible to provide financial support to unplanned expenditure such as participation in the Florida Trade Fair.
I should note that attendance at trade fairs is only one of the ways in which government supports small businesses. We have for example disbursed grants to over 700 small businesses inclusive of agro-processors, and we have assisted with training and capacity development. We should not forget that it is this government which implemented the measures by which 20% of all government procurement is earmarked for small businesses. This would include agro-processors who have the chance to supply many government institutions which procure dietary supplies.
With specific reference to business and trade development, I can attest that this year, Guyana and Guyanese products were well represented at the World Expo in Dubai, with thousands of persons from 190 countries being exposed to their items. The inaugural investment Agri-Investment Forum and Expo brought investors from the CARICOM Region and beyond in contact with local exhibitors including small businesses. Similarly, at the recently concluded second Agri-Investment Forum and Expo, in Trinidad and Tobago, our local agro processors were on show with support from the government. Additionally, over 50 businesses also attended the three–day AgroFest in Barbados again with support from the government. Government’s financial support to small business also includes our support to GCCI’s National Small Business Week and Expo, Together We Win’s Small Business Conference and Expo, GMSA’s Uncapped Marketplace and the International Building Expo. All of these ventures were hailed as great successes by the organizers and much more importantly, by the exhibitors themselves.
Looking forward to the remainder of the year, Guyana’s premier trade fair and expo—GuyExpo, returns in December and more than 400 businesses are expected to be on display including small agro-processors. The Berbice Expo returns as well with more than 25,000 persons expected to attend, with participation from Suriname. Rupununi Expo will also be back along with the Christmas village on Main Street.
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce carefully budgeted funding for these expositions (and other programmes) by which our small businesses (including agro-processors) receive valuable exposure for their products. This track record informs my humble view that the Government is and will remain committed to “aid[ing] recovery from COVID business blues” not only for Agro-processors but for all small businesses through and beyond the pandemic.
Yours truly,
John Edghill
Director of Business and Entrepreneur
Development
Ministry of Tourism, Industry and
Commerce
