THE Guyana/Brazil Integration Projects which aim at linking the private sectors of the two South American neighbours and increasing trade and cooperation have now been formally launched and it would be hoped that they would bring tangible benefits to both countries.
The business and trade potential between the two countries has long been recognised by the governments and private sectors of both countries and today relations between them are at its highest pedestal since Guyana attained independence.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, speaking at the launch of the project correctly noted that Guyana could learn quite a lot from Brazil which is highly industrialised and economically advanced, making it one of the largest economies in the world and a member of the BRIC group of countries.
“There’s much we Guyanese can learn from Brazil, and I have no reluctance in admitting such,” the Prime Minister stated. Looking back over the years, and crediting that country’s ingenuity in acquiring materials for building and other tasks,the Prime Minister recalled that Guyana, way back in the 70s, benefited from the skills and expertise of Brazilian miners in the sector. He said Guyana would like to take advantage of such relations wherever possible.
From a governmental level, the foundation has been set for the private sectors of both countries to deepen their collaboration in business and commerce as both countries have agreed to strengthen and deepen the already excellent relations between them.
The construction of the Takutu Bridge is a tangible demonstration of this commitment of both countries to increase cross-border trade and business. In addition, MOUs have been signed on hydropower projects and road building etc which will all help cataylse business relations.
However, a more recent development of global importance which will take  place in Brazil offers a lot of opportunities for the Guyanese private sector and this has been alluded to by the head of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Clinton Williams.
Of interest, Williams noted, Brazil’s hosting of the 2014 World Cup Football tournament and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games is likely to substantially increase demand for the prioritised goods and services targeted in the current project initiative.

Against this background, the GMSA President conceded: “It seems quite logical that Guyana stands to gain from strengthening its economic relationship with this economic giant.”

Considering this a plus for the project, Williams noted that the reality at this time is that, despite a number of major trade and infrastructural investment initiatives, the intended benefits of cross-border trade and investment activities between the two countries are still way below expectation after 10 years.
In this regard, the Brazilian Ambassador, Mr. Luis Gilberto Seixas de Andre concurred with Mr. Williams that the level of business generated between the two countries was very low, compared with the potential created by the setting up of the Takutu Bridge. He said that the vision is to increase substantially the level of bi-lateral exchange.  “We want to achieve a more brisk trade, with Brazil buying more goods and services from Guyana.”
It is therefore clear that a sound platform has been laid for trade and business between the neighbours as the commitment from both sides seems assured. What is needed now is for assiduous work to translate that commitment into reality.