GUYANA is on the move, with amazing opportunities for investors. Its open economy is based on support for the balanced development of local and foreign investments.
The Government of Guyana is aware that investment plays a crucial role in development of the economy, as Investment is an integral part of the
national income. To this end, in terms of improving competitiveness, Government and the private sector have made encouraging progress through the National Competitiveness Strategy, with the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) playing a pivotal role.
Established by the Government of Guyana in 1994, GO-Invest is an agency geared to stimulate, facilitate, and promote the development of trade and industry, as well as export and investment activities, in all sectors of the Guyanese economy.
Cognizant of the impact of GO-Invest in this regard, and the wealth of existing opportunities geared to boost both local and overseas investments in Guyana, Head of State, President Donald Ramotar, has challenged the agency to increase its promotional activities, which in turn would aid in increasing both local and foreign investments.
Agreeing that such achievements should be given greater prominence, Chairman of the Board of Directors of GO-Invest, Mr. Keith Burrowes, is at this juncture seeking to implement a robust public relations programme aimed at sensitizing investors about the amazing trade and investment possibilities existing here.
As Guyana endeavours to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to significantly reduce poverty, it becomes imperative that investment levels be raised. It is also crucial that there should be in place an entity giving wise counsel and guidance on starting a business venture, growing an existing one, or exploring overseas markets.
It is in this regard that GO-Invest has demonstrated its mettle and, in every way, proved to be a fillip to, while tangibly supporting, trade and investment in Guyana by both local and overseas investors.
An analysis of this scenario would reveal that tapping into the wealth of trade and investment opportunities available in Guyana has been incredibly lucrative for both local and foreign investors over the last two decades.
The entity continues to offer tremendous possibilities, including access to tax waivers and other concessions to facilitate such endeavours.
All this has been made possible through the workings of GO- Invest, that gateway which connects the world to Guyana, providing that niche for investors who are serious about doing business here, or exploring overseas markets.
To date, hundreds of businesses have benefited in myriad ways from remarkable incentives given to such investors; and, more recently, GO-Invest has placed extra focus on local direct investments aimed at encouraging Guyanese nationals to invest in Guyana.
GO-Invest has also committed to improving the investment environment for the country, in partnership with other Government agencies.
And whilst GO-Invest has not been openly singing its praises, its impact has been phenomenal, even as it continues to be instrumental in assisting the leg work to get numerous companies started here, and has facilitated the strengthening of hundreds of existing ones through the incentives made available.
The mission of GO-Invest is:
“To contribute to Guyana’s economic development by promoting and facilitating local and foreign private sector investment and exports in accordance with the country’s approved investments and export strategies.”
A special committee has been appointed to oversee implementation of the planned public relations campaign. More specifically, the main objective of this initiative is to increase the number of investor inquiries and projects as a result of improved promotional messages. Also cited are more effective use of online communication, printed media, broadcast media, and other venues.
Promotional activities will include an increase in radio and TV public service announcements (PSAs), and outreaches by officers of the agency to specially-targeted areas. Additionally, GO-Invest will soon be launching its new and updated website.
A weekly newspaper column, beginning with this issue, will play a key role in keeping Investors – both local and foreign — updated on the work of GO-Invest, ways in which the entity can provide assistance, and its future activities. This column will also periodically seek to highlight the development of some of the projects and businesses facilitated by GO-Invest.
The Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) is located at Lot 190 Camp & Church Streets in South Cummingsburg, Georgetown Guyana. Tele: (592)227-0653, 225-0658. Fax: (592)225-0655; Email: goinvest@goinvest.gov.gy