CHAIRMAN of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), (Guyana), Ramesh Persaud has hailed the trade conference between representatives of the Guyana/Suriname private sector as a “positive step” towards economic integration between the two nations. The two sides met on Friday at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) , Lilrndaal, East Coast Demerara to map out a strategy for forging of stronger economic and trade and trade relations between the two neighbouring countries through greater private sector collaboration.
Team visiting Guyana to foster economic
A 40-member delegation from Suriname, led by their Trade Minister, Don Tosendjojo arrived in Guyana to embark on a ‘Trade Mission’ with the hope of building economic relations with Guyana, particularly through trade.
According to the PSC’s Chairman, the initiative which is geared towards fostering interaction between players in the business sector will also seek to provide a way for ideas to be shared and partnerships to be built.
Persaud said the initiative has “proven to be a positive step” towards two CARICOM countries furthering the process of integration through the private sector. “It is also a good example of good economic diplomacy and building significant relationships among businesses across borders.”
Sharing the same sentiments was President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Lance Hinds who underscored the need for continuous engagement which he noted plays an integral role in achieving the private sector’s objectives.
Continuing collaboration, he stressed, is needed so as to ensure that as much as possible, there is business to business collaboration and arrangements and to improve the economic integration between the two countries.
The idea of the ‘Trade Mission’ was birthed out of Suriname at a forum where entrepreneur and businessmen were seeking to draft ideas to foster better economic relationships with Guyana. This was according to vice-president of the Suriname Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Anilkumar Padarath.
He further disclosed that as a result of this, both Persaud and the President of Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC), Ramesh Dookhoo agreed to take action and seek to foster better trade between the two nations. “Our business people were happy and they are hoping that something happen for them,” Padarath said on Friday at a joint press conference hosted by the two sides..
The ‘Trade Mission’ continues today with a number of business oriented visits by delegations from both countries to various parts of the country including Georgetown and Linden.