GUYANA is expected to benefit significantly in the tourism sector through the recently-concluded Surinamese Trade Mission that was aimed at enhancing trade relations between the two neighbouring South American countries.

This is according to Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr Indranauth Haralsingh who on Friday last at the Trade Mission’s press conference assured the media that the 28,000 annual number of Dutch tourists entering Guyana from Suriname and Holland is expected to increase through better trading relations.
The Trade Mission was embarked upon by the Surinamese delegation with the hope of fostering better economic relations with Guyana, particularly through trade. Against this backdrop, Haralsingh noted that the fruitful manifestation of such initiatives will not only see Guyana benefitting through trade, but moreso through tourism.
Haralsingh noted the need for continued collaboration and cooperation between the two neighbouring states, which involves “follow-ups” to address pending issues which would hinder any form of integration between the two countries.
COMMITMENT
Assuring that the Government of Guyana remains committed to improving trade not only with Suriname but with Brazil as well, Haralsingh lauded the initiative, underscoring the commitment also made by the Surinamese Government in sending such a large delegation, including two of the country’s ministers.
“A lot of issues and bottle-necks that are impacting export performance and trade between the two countries have been aired and been discussed,” Haralsingh said, adding that the benefits that each country can gain through investments, joint ventures, new markets and broader development are numerous.
DUTCH MARKET
The Dutch market, which remains vitally important to Guyana’s tourism sector, will expand in time as the GTA Head hinted at a Dutch language training initiative, which is expected to be embarked upon by the Tourism Ministry at Moleson Creek.
This, Haralsingh noted, will aid Guyanese and Surinamese in restricting the language barrier to a minimum, and to improve Guyanese customer service towards Dutch nationals. “This will go well for the average Dutch-speaking person coming into Guyana,” he said.
Additionally, he highlighted that, “lots of opportunities for familiarization trips for joint-marketing for the two destinations, multi-destination marketing, joint participation at trade shows, would have all been issues that were discussed,” at the conferences which will aid in an expansion of trade between Guyana and Suriname.
The three-day Trade Mission, which was embarked upon by the 40-member Surinamese delegation, was concluded on Saturday last with a number of visits to business-oriented regions of the country, highlighting the country’s development.

(By Ravin Singh)