The Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) has unveiled plans to establish a new office in Richmond, with the aim of broadening its membership base and fostering economic growth for businesses in Region Two.
ECCI President, Ganesh Jaigobin, made this announcement during a cocktail meet-and-greet event on Friday which served as a platform for business professionals to connect and explore collaborative opportunities.
He said that the office will be fully staffed to provide comprehensive assistance and guidance to local businesses.
Jaigobin outlined ECCI’s upcoming initiatives, including business excursions to Brazil, Trinidad, Belize, and the Dominican Republic, to uncover new avenues for growth. He added that the ECCI will facilitate access to financing options for small businesses in the region through collaboration with government agencies.
“We are committed to partnering with you. Join us, and we will offer tailored support,” Jaigobin assured businesses yet to register with ECCI.
Meanwhile, Senior Director of Business at G-Invest, John Edghill, emphasised the significance of networking in business endeavours and praised ECCI for hosting the event. He underscored the pivotal role of the private sector in propelling growth and development, urging local enterprises to align with ECCI.
Edghill too, assured of G-Invest’s support for businesses in Guyana. He highlighted the abundant opportunities in tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, and services, underlining G-Invest’s role in export promotion and encouraging agro-processors to seize these prospects.
Meanwhile, Inter-American Develop-ment Bank (IDB) Investment Manage-ment Officer, Mark Peters, briefed the gathering on the IDB’s initiatives and how it can aid businesses in Region Two.
He spoke of IDB’s eagerness to collaborate with and support businesses in Essequibo, noting the Bank’s provision for financing of development projects. Peters mentioned the IDB’s upcoming visit to the region in July, and said he was looking forward to meeting businesses and providing further guidance.
Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva commended ECCI for organising the event, as she highlighted the region’s rapid transformation across all sectors. She also pledged the Regional Democratic Council’s support to ECCI, while mentioning the allocation of land for ECCI’s office construction in Anna Regina.
Among the attendees were General Manager of Transport and Harbour, Marclene Merchant; Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahindra Singh; and Commander ‘G’ Division, Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran.
