MANY of Guyana’s vital sectors continue to make positive contributions to the nation’s economic growth, as was outlined by Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, during his presentation of the 2013 budget of $208.8B, in the National Assembly.

Beginning with the vital rice industry, its production levels, apart from being sustained, have been exponential, “exceeding expectations” in 2012, with an increased production of 422,057 tonnes or an increase of 5% – the highest in the industry’s local history. That this bountiful harvest has been reaped is due to investments in supportive infrastructure, strengthening of “forward and backward linkages, from preparation through manufacturing to marketing”. Other major factors included excellent market prices, and improved drainage and irrigation.
There was a sugar production output of 218,070 tons for 2012, a contraction of 7.8%.  But this can be explained against a background of industrial relations disruptions and unfavourable weather conditions. As an example, very good weather resulted in a second crop growth of 13.3%, but this could not have compensated for a “first crop contraction of 33.4%”.
Because of favourable weather conditions, and easier domestic and export market access,   other crops production registered a growth rate of 5%. Its components registered the following: 14.4% increase in livestock production, influenced by demand in the mining communities, and 15.5% growth recorded for the fisheries industry, accentuated by expansion in its trawling fleet.
Although forestry experienced a 4.3% decline, a production of 369,645 cubic metres was achieved.
Other critical production sectors that performed very well were mining and quarrying, returning an increase of 14.8% growth. Principal was gold production, of 438,645 ounces in 2012, a 20% hike over that for 2011.
The bauxite industry reflected a growth in value added of 12.5%, yielding a production level of 2,213,972 tonnes, inclusive of the highest rate of increase in cement grade bauxite.
Whereas diamond and stone, recorded declines of 22.2% and 10.8% respectively, there was a 76.5% increase in sand production. However, when these were taken together, it resulted in the other mining sub-sectors recording a decline of 14.6%”.
From the manufacturing sector, there was an increase of 2.4%, that evidenced “mixed performances”; but improved performances were had in terms of increased output from products such as beverages.
Finally, the following increases were illustrated from the services sector, with growth being a common denominator:  Trade in wholesale and retail grew by 6.7%, because of increase imports of consumption, intermediate, and capital goods, 4.2% growth in the information and communication sector, as a result of increased demand, 5.7% increase for electricity and water, an 18.9% increase recorded for transport and storage, a 13.8% increase for both finance and insurance, 4.5% for rental of dwellings; while other services peaked at 4%, for public administration, education, and  health, there was growth of 1.4%,2.2% and 3.1% respectively.
Finally, there was a decline in the construction sector of 11%, as a result of the slow commencement in some public sector construction projects.