THE plan by the British High Commission to establish a trade and investment office in Georgetown to foster the deepening of economic linkages in a structured manner has been highly favoured by the Guyana Government. The announcement was made by British High Commissioner Andrew Ayre at his residence last evening on the occasion of the 86th birth anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee was also celebrated.
The initiative has the full backing of the Government which regards investment as one of the pillars of expansion in the economy, and has over the years, been looking to the private sector as the motivator.
President Donald Ramotar, who joined the British High Commissioner in a toast to the continued friendly relations between Britain and Guyana, and the best wishes for Her Majesty the Queen, said he welcomes all other ventures that are lucrative to the Government’s development prospect.
In the coming months, President Ramotar will be spearheading an extensive marketing awareness seminar in the United States, targeting tourism operators, media and other specialists.
The disclosure was made by the president in April when Guyana hosted the 13th Sustainable Tourism Conference. He explained that the objective is in keeping with the Guyana Government’s commitment to the promotion of investment and expansion opportunities.
From September, the Department for International Development (DFID), acting as a surrogate to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for Guyana’s agriculture diversification programme, will channel about £1.5M to developing the export potential of Guyana’s agriculture sector.
President Ramotar believes this new initiative will support government’s commitment for enhanced productivity in the agriculture sector.
“Guyana welcomes the announcement on the role which DFID will play in support of Guyana’s agriculture diversification. I am confident that this gesture will bring us closer to realising the potential of Guyana’s agriculture, fishing and horticulture sectors,” President Ramotar said.
DFID has announced plans to boost funding to the Caribbean region, focusing on an initiative to address climate change, strengthening security in vulnerable communities, and promoting renewable energy.
President Ramotar believes that it is noteworthy to point out that such a commitment is coming, even in the midst of uncertainty in European economies that have led to austerity measures as safeguard mechanisms.
Guyana shares a close and cooperative association with the UK, characterised by partnerships in a broad spectrum of sectors.
London based Tullow Oil is at present among the reputable companies pursuing offshore oil exploration.