WITH the onset of the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo in Guyana, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, has underscored the importance of investing in this crucial sector of the economy.
While delivering his speech at the opening of the event on Friday morning at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Minister Mustapha emphasised the significance of the activity.
“This forum represents not just a meeting of minds but a profound commitment to the future of agriculture in the Caribbean…a future that hinges on the critical importance of investment. Investments in agriculture are investments in the very bedrock of our nations. They are the seed of growth [and] the fruit for innovation…and the key to unlocking the vast potential for the agriculture sector,” the minister told the large gathering.
He included that the forum’s purpose is to promote investments in the Caribbean’s agriculture industry in order to enhance efforts towards achieving Vision 25 by 2025.
It also serves as a summons to governments, investors, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to unite and consolidate resources for the advancement and evolution of the sector.
“The Government of Guyana is fully committed to this cause. We recognise that diversification is key to unlocking the true potential of the agriculture sector.”
“Since the last Agri-Investment Forum held in 2022, Guyana has made significant strides towards achieving the 25 by 2025 goal. We have witnessed investments sprout into flourishing agri-businesses, innovative projects and increased agricultural productivity,” Minister Mustapha stated.
He highlighted the advantages observed in Guyana’s soya and corn production, shade house technology, coconut industry expansion, livestock industry investment, poultry and mutton production diversification, and various other initiatives.
“Investing in agri-business plays a pivotal role in food security in our region by modernising our agriculture practices, improving value chains and leveraging technology and innovation. We can bolster our capacity to produce, store and distribute food.
“In doing so, we not only feed our people but also reduce our dependency on imports and enhance our resilience in the face of external shocks and create new opportunities for economic growth,” the agriculture minister emphasised.
Minister Mustapha emphasised the extensive investment potential in Guyana’s agriculture sector, which encompasses the complete value chain.
“We invite investors to explore these opportunities, become partners in our journey and reap the reward of contributing to the growth and sustainability of the agriculture sector,” the agriculture minister stated.
