The third official Jamaican trade mission to Guyana ended on a high note, according to that country’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Senator Aubyn Hill, who said that the feedback from the visiting businessmen was positive.
Speaking to Stabroek News after the May 12 to 15 events, Hill said that several Jamaican business executives and entrepreneurs were excited at the sure possibility of furthering bilateral trade with Guyanese companies. Additionally, the companies on the trade mission were positively reassured of Guyana’s readiness for strengthening business to business relations through the high number of Guyanese companies that attended the meetings, the partnerships developed at said meetings and the arrangements made for further engagement.
While he stated there were no immediate improvements needed on the side of Guyanese companies in relation to fostering partnerships, he said he was sure that should anything arise, Guyanese ministers and representatives would be willing to offer assistance. He went on to commend the Government of Guyana for its astuteness in supporting the initiative. Indicative of this, he added, were the gracious demeanours, open door policies and welcoming expressions from Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton and Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud.
“The opportunities in Guyana are endless, companies ranging from small to medium-sized enterprises to large construction and commercial companies, are all proud of the successful outcome of this initiative that they invested their own capital to attend,” Hill said. “People are looking to bring in asphalt plants, some people are in the housing sector so they are looking to source Guyana’s strong and durable wood. Contractors as well, they are all looking to engage in bilateral trade with Guyana. Bilateral in the way that Guyana sells rice and wood, with Jamaica experiencing a real building boom it only makes sense to have interests in extending their wood sourcing and manufacturing opportunities. The Jamaican companies are also looking for trade in medical supplies and the ICT sector.”
The onus is now on Jamaican companies and the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JamPro) to ensure follow up actions are taken. JamPro is equipped to ensure support is given by way of account officers assigned to companies on the trade mission who will work with them to ensure their readiness and the provision of specialized training through their flagship programme “Export Max”.
Hill said he was looking forward to Jamaican companies fostering deeper connections with Guyanese companies.
