The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the United Nations (UN) on July 29 signed a declaration to foster social and economic development, at the conclusion of National Small Business Week. The declaration was signed by GCCI President Kester Hutson and UN Resident Coordinator Yeşim Oruç and is aimed at advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs).
In a press release, the GCCI reported that Oruç said it was a privilege to sign the declaration promoting the SDGs through a strategic partnership with the GCCI. The signing took place during the Small Business Seminar and Expo, which was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and GCCI’s corporate partner GTT under the theme “Strategic Collaborations for Success.” The seminar provided small business owners with critical insight geared at helping them expand their businesses.
The release said small businesses owners received pertinent information from established and experienced business representatives in the fields of finance management, marketing communications and training opportunities. Hutson said, according to the release, that the Small Business Seminar and Expo, which featured about 60 booths, was of utmost importance as it placed the spotlight on micro, small and medium size enterprises with a focus on growth and expansion. In keeping with the theme, Hutson said it was his belief that in order to grow, small businesses require consolidation, collaboration and creativity.
He was quoted as saying, “Despite the competitive nature of the business sector, we must acknowledge and recognise that collaboration amongst businesses is vital for sustainable growth and progress.”
Director of Business at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce John Edghill echoed Hutson. “The time for us to collaborate is not when the opportunity is upon us, we have to prepare for the opportunity by collaborating first. The collaboration needs to be made first so that the opportunity can then present itself to the private sector, to the business, and to all of you small businesses,” he was quoted as saying.
Director of Guyana Oil and Gas Support Services Inc and former GGCI President Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer reminded small business owners that there will be challenges, but that these were not without rewards. He encouraged them to consider all the customer and client feedback received and execute a plan to ensure they continue to improve the goods or services they provide. Boyer also stressed on collaboration and its importance in the growth and expansion of any business, the release said
Chief Operating Officer of GTT Business Solutions Orson Ferguson said the event gave small businesses the opportunity to showcase their products and services, and learn from business leaders, according to the release. “We firmly believe that providing you guys with the opportunity to showcase your services, to learn from one another, collaborate, to learn from industry leaders to be invaluable,” he was quoted as saying.
British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller and Food and Agriculture Organisation Country Representative Dr Gillian Smith were also in attendance.
