The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) yesterday launched its inaugural “IMPACK Manufacturers’ Summit”, slated for March 2024 at the Pegasus Corporate Suites, Kingston, Georgetown.
The Summit aims to position Guyana as a leading manufacturing hub in the Caribbean by fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation among local and regional manufacturers. President of GMSA Ramsay Ali said that critical issues such as access to finance, supply chain, labour, and energy efficiency are among the topics of discussion at the upcoming summit. There will also be discussions on government policies, to develop practical strategies that boost the competitiveness and sustainability of the manufacturing sector in Guyana and the broader Caribbean region, he noted.
“The summit presents a unique opportunity for local manufacturers to gain valuable insights, establish connections with regional counterparts, and explore potential partnerships that can drive growth and expansion,” the GMSA President said. He continued, “We want to see real progress and effective implementation of the ideas and strategies discussed during the two-day event.” President of the Georgetown Chamber & Commerce Industry Kester Hutson who endorsed the summit, emphasized its role in fostering regional partnerships, in the corporate sector. He affirmed, “This will provide an opportunity for deliberate conversations on policy and enable an environment that will cause businesses to grow sustainably”. Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Komal Singh, also commended the GMSA for the bold initiative and also the summit’s potential to drive economic growth and diversification.
“I want to thank the GMSA for being bold and taking the initiative to develop the local manufacturing sector,” Singh said. Also endorsing support for the summit, Chief Executive Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) Dr. Mahindra Ramdeen stated that his organization fully supports the operationalization of this summit, and anticipates that the outcomes will allow many manufacturing sectors to further facilitate trade among our member states and discuss how we can improve and encourage traders to come on board.” He added that he hopes the discussions will expand to include topics such as deepening CARICOM, facilitating trade, and eliminating trade barriers.
The landmark event is geared at bringing together major Caribbean players to address challenges and explore opportunities in various manufacturing sectors, with a focus on enhancing Guyana’s competitive edge in the region’s manufacturing landscape. The GMSA anticipates that an actionable document will be produced after the summit, with recommendations for policymakers and leaders that will drive prosperity and ensure a vibrant and thriving manufacturing sector. During the event, a logo for the summit was also unveiled, which features an open box symbolizing the upcoming developments in Guyana’s manufacturing sector that will position the region as a manufacturing powerhouse.
