…says Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud has said that the kinks are being ironed out with respect to rice exports to Trinidad and Tobago. And better relations are expected between the twin-island republic and Guyana. “Last year we exported close to 25,000 tonnes of rice to Trinidad and this year we are targeting a similar amount, or even more,” he said.
According to him, the major complaint from buyers in Trinidad has been the response they have been receiving from local suppliers.
“We have met with stakeholders and I personally have written a strong letter to one particular supplier and asked that they address these concerns…we value the CARICOM market and we value the Trinidad market,” Persaud said.

He contends that the Trinidad market is one high-end market that Guyana has accessed and stressed the need to maintain a hold on such markets.
He pointed out that Guyana is competing with major players, including the United States and Brazil, where the economies are much more developed.
“We have the capacity to supply the CARICOM market…we have to be aggressive,” he said.
Back in December 2006, Minister Persaud wrote the then Trinidadian Agriculture Minister, Jarrett Narine, seeking greater access to the Trinidadian market for more of Guyana’s agricultural produce.
Since then, and due to subsequent interventions by Guyana, the list of admissible produce from Guyana to Trinidad has increased from six to 22 items, including rice, rice products and wood.
In March, Persaud met with Trinidadian importers of rice and other agricultural produce.
Prior to that meeting, Persaud met Trinidad’s Minister of Food Production, Land & Marine Affairs, Mr. Vasant Bharath, for discussions on outstanding agricultural trade issues regarding Guyana’s produce getting greater access to the Trinidad market.
“Rice is the largest agriculture earner and as we move to value added, it will be a significant player,” Persaud said.