By Navendra Seoraj in New York

THE government of Guyana, along with local and international businessmen/women in collaboration with Guyana-America Investment (GAIN), yesterday laid the foundation to boost commercial relations between Guyana and potential investors from the diaspora.During the “Guyana means business” investment conference held at the Harvard Club, New York, potential and current investors were edified on the wide scope for investment in Guyana once regulations are upheld and resources are managed properly.
“The opportunities Guyana presents for investors with vision and a capacity to deliver are immense: vast natural resources; young, educated and English-speaking population; stable and open financial markets; full investment protection; unrestricted repatriation of profits and capital; duty-free access to CARICOM and EU markets; equal treatment for local and foreign investors; and a stable political environment where all major parties support a market-oriented approach to economic growth,” were outlined by Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Owen Verwey.
He engaged the gathering on reasons to invest in Guyana and also the criteria and outlook of Go-Invest. Guyana’s Government, he said, continues to pursue reforms providing the solid foundation necessary to accelerate the expansion of a modern, dynamic and successful private sector.
“We are striving to further improve the investment climate and support the emergence of non-traditional export sectors, while continuing to fortify the mining, sugar and rice sectors,” Verwey underscored, as he moved to boost the interest of the investors.
Established to contribute to Guyana’s economic development, GO-Invest, he expressed has been promoting and facilitating local and foreign private sector investment and exports. This, he said, serves as a gateway that connects the world to Guyana, enabling entrepreneurs to tap into the wealth of trade and investment opportunities available.
Some overseas investors who have turned eyes on Guyana and sought to invest in its economy shared their experience with members of the gathering.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Metallica Commodities Corporation, Dr Glendon Archer, disclosed that Guyana is on the rise and though he had faced many difficulties in the past, he persevered and watched the mining industry in Guyana grow.
Another businessperson, Allison Butters, CEO of Global Seafood Distributors, encouraged investors to join hands with her as she moves to boost the fishing industry in Guyana.
Butters, who moved to Guyana after living in the United States for 30 years, inherited what was left for her by her parents in the fishing industry and made innovative decisions in order to create a flourishing business.
SAFE HAVEN
“Guyana is not what it is perceived and portrayed to be. There is a wide scope for investment in any sector, that too in a safe haven for business… I don’t regret going back to invest in Guyana, that is why I am calling on all the potential investors [to] delve into what Guyana has to offer,” said Butters, who reiterated the call for the diaspora to turn their attention to Guyana.
Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, noted that Guyana is safe for commercial activities, pointing out that there has been a recent 16 percent decrease in the number of serious crimes in Guyana.
He said as a result of assistance from the ABC (America, Britain and Canada) countries, government has been able to regain the confidence and trust of the police force, due to training offered in the different areas of criminal studies.
“Once the public trust is fully reinstituted, and with business owners adhering to the regulations of the system, there can be a smooth flow of commercial activities within a safe and secure environment,” reiterated Ramjattan.