MEMBERS of the Chambers of Commerce of Regions 9 (Upper Essequibo/Upper Takatu) and Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) will meet this weekend to agree on ways and means by which the two bodies can collaborate in business to the mutual benefit of their members.
President of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) Alfred Ramsarran, explained, “Both Chambers are linked by the Linden to Lethem roadway. If there is a way, for example, that businessmen from Lethem  can purchase bulk fuel at Linden, we will benefit from a faster turnaround, even  reduce costs as well”
“And fuel is just one example. It could be lumber or any other commodity that we need, and the business could work both ways. So we are looking in-depth at this type of collaboration this weekend, and working to hammer out a formal declaration that will govern how the two Chambers  interact in business activities that will be useful and  profitable for both, given our common link of the Linden Lethem road, as well as to Brazil. “
President of the Linden Chamber, Marvin Burns, observed that the context of the upgrading of the Linden-Lethem roadway and the opening of the Takutu Bridge linking Guyana and Brazil offered numerous opportunities for trade for members of both Chambers.
He said the Linden Chamber saw the meeting as a historic occasion which would redound to the benefit of the private sector in both Regions and the well-being of their residents.
The venue of the meeting is Kurupukari, on the right bank of the upper reaches of the Essequibo River, in Region 10, just opposite the Iwokrama reserve.
The discussions will begin at 13:00 hrs tomorrow and continue on Sunday, Ramsarran said.
Ramsarran disclosed that Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad, has been invited to attend on Sunday and to witness a formal signing of agreements by the two Chambers which is likely to be called the Kurupukari Declaration.
Apart from members of both Chambers, other participants will include the Regional Chairman and Regional Executive Officer of Region 10, as well as businessmen from Bonfim, Brazil.