HIGHLIGHTING the rich diversity of Guyana and its resources, agriculture is one of the key sectors for investments.

This is according to Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, speaking at GUYEXPO 2014-linked Investment Forum at the Guyana International Conference Centre last Friday.

He underscored that areas within the sector where investments can be made such as fisheries; livestock feed production; corn and soya bean production; poultry; coconut cultivation; bio-gas and rice.

Dr. Ramsammy asserted that the development of nutritious foods is one of the goals people should aim for in the Region. Additionally, he pointed out that carrots and coconuts could be utilised in the agro-processing sector and urged that

focus be placed on the conversion of raw materials into processed products, for which there is great demand.
Zeroing in on the contribution of agriculture to the local economy, Dr. Ramsammy asserted that the sector could contribute 25% to Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product by the year 2020.

Dr. Ramsammy further stated that the continued engagement between Guyanese and regional and international investors has provided a number of jobs, which has enabled positive economic growth. He emphasised that there are medium to long-term opportunities for investors in agriculture.

Noting that 42 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean do not have enough food to eat, he asserted that this provides opportunities for Guyana.

Dr. Ramsammy noted also that the Caribbean’s food import bill for 2013 was over US$5.4B, adding that this opportunity for investment would negate that expenditure by producing food for the Region.

Finally, he urged the investors to explore the various opportunities existing here, especially those in the agricultural sector.

The Investment Forum targeted investors who are here to participate in the Guyana Trade Fair and Exposition (GuyExpo) 2014.

The forum was a joint effort between the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and the GuyExpo Committee, and saw presentations from Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, and Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh among others in the various sectors.