US Ambassador Says With the Right Policies Guyana Could Become one of the Richest Countries
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) was launched in Georgetown on Monday night US Ambassador Perry Holloway predicting that foreign investment “will only increase in the coming years”.
“Guyana has vast untapped resources and a small population. The potential is enormous. With the right policies, Guyana could become one of the richest countries in terms of per capital Gross Domestic Product,” Holloway said.
Holloway said it is the perfect time for Guyana to launch an affiliate of the American Chamber, saying it will promote and create US/Guyana Trade AND Business Opportunities and will also share the exchange of best practices for institutions and systems building.
He told the delegates that with the oil industry now developing, foreign investment in Guyana will be increasing significantly with the potential for the future socio-economic development being enormous.
Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin, said that the new private sector group would receive the support of the David Granger government that he has had been creating a better climate for investment.
Gaskin said that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country is ready for business and with organisations like the American Chamber showing an interest, it could open many more opportunities for Guyana.
In his address, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge also pledged the government’s support, pointing out the role of his Ministry to support international trade.
The private sector group is headed by Zulficar Ally, the Corporate Secretary for Queens Atlantic Investments, who told the ceremony that the presence of the organisation will help facilitate investment to the country.
Ally said that organisation will be working closely with government and the private sector to facilitate trade, investment and closer business partnerships.
Earlier, President Granger, who met with the AMCHAM executive at State House, said Guyana is open for business in all sectors including agriculture, mining and eco-tourism.
“I am seeing that we can bring more people to the fold. There is so much we can do. There is absolutely nothing in terms of agricultural products that we cannot supply to the Caribbean hospitality sector but we need investment capital…and we need to build a stronger manufacturing sector,” he said.
“We will do whatever we can do to promote and stabilise trade and investment because what’s good for Guyana is good Guyanese. This can only work to the benefit to both sides. Small businesses are welcomed and if they can be given some training, like how to write a proposal or business plan, then there is so much we can do,” Granger said. – CMC
