AS Guyana’s economy continues to grow, and by extension the need for enhanced services for the movement of cargo in and out, PAS Cargo USA Inc has launched its shipping, logistics and transportation service in Guyana, through its sub-agents Ace Cargo Logistics , promising to provide a competitive service based on cost and efficiency.
The launching of the Guyanese-owned enterprise in the shipping and business sector in Guyana took place at the Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara, on Thursday night.
Senior Vice President of PAS Cargo USA, Inc., Shridat Naraine, speaking at the launching, said that his company will offer superior logistics management for cargo coming out of the USA and Trinidad. “We will look out for the customer, find ways of securing the lowest cost and most efficient and fastest transit options,” said Naraine.
He said that what makes his company different from the other freight forwarding and cargo handling companies in Guyana is that when cargo has to be moved within the USA, there is greater scope for cost savings and efficiency enhancement. “We offer speed in getting shipments across the USA and Canada,” he said.
According to Naraine, PAS Cargo USA Inc. grew by an average of 15 percent per annum over the last 10 years. Further, he explained that this was not growth by way of mergers and acquisitions, but organic growth. “PAS came through the recession uninterrupted in its growth,” said Naraine, who joined the company with the intention of opening up the Guyana and Suriname markets to the possibilities of business in the USA.
At the launch, PAS Cargo USA Inc. received best wishes and commendations from the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, the Private Sector Commission, the Shipping Association of Guyana, and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.
Speaking on the remarks that several persons made at the night of the launch, Naraine said that he appreciated the words of welcome that every speaker extended to his company. He said with regard to their expressed expectations, his company is in sync with them.
“They are seeing that the economy in Guyana and the major sectors are all developing and looking for logistics to support the developmental thrust. I know that the export revenues that are very valuable to Guyana are a critical aspect of the growth going forward. The government, with the support of local business and manufacturers, are all very keen to have a facilitating environment, and I believe that PAS Cargo’s strength [will be vital for this],” he said.
“We are even willing to come in with some investment to help the private sector bodies and government departments facilitate their processes in a way that would make it more seamless and effective, so that manufacturers could get their products to markets outside of Guyana in an efficient, timely and cost effective manner,” he said.
Naraine explained that this investment in building capacity will be a partnership and will be based on the assessed needs on the ground. “We really don’t know where the demands will be yet. If it requires training, we will certainly contribute to training. If it requires expertise in looking at packaging to meet the market needs, we might be able to help with bringing an expert to help work in this area,” he explained.
Naraine noted that there are many complaints by the local business community about the long process for clearing customs. “I know that there is good reason for a lot of the checks and balances that need to be put in place. I am not asking for that to be compromised, but there is still room for a speedier process. The facilitation of trade is something that every country needs to pay attention to,” he said.
He noted that the Guyana Government has worked hard at improving the business environment and “that is one of the reasons we are here today,” he said. “We feel very strongly that the climate has improved dramatically. There is still room for improvement in the shipping sector, but it is a process,” he said.