-eyes deeper ties as trade expands

A GUYANA public and private sector delegation is undertaking a trade mission in Northern Brazil, specifically Boa Vista, State of Roraima from March 17 to March18, 2025.
The trade mission is in keeping with a commitment made during a meeting between His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana and His Excellency Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil held in Georgetown on February 29, 2024.

The two presidents agreed to organise a trade mission to Brazil, comprising officials of the Government and the business sector of Guyana, with the aim of expanding trade and investment between the two countries.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve cross border trade between the two countries, the trade mission seeks to explore trade and investment opportunities with Northern Brazil and expand collaboration in areas such as agro- processing, manufacturing, construction, tourism, food distribution and port development.

The Guyana team comprises officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture and the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest). The private sector is also well represented with the participation of over thirty (30) companies from the construction, agriculture, livestock, port, transportation, tourism, food distribution and logistics industries.
On Monday March 17, the Guyana team met with the Governor of the State of Roraima, Antonio Denarium to exchange views on areas of interest of both sides and explore possible areas of cooperation. The Governor indicated that the State of Roraima was ready to expand trade and economic relations with Guyana and stressed that the State offers an excellent business environment for investment.

In his presentation, the Governor outlined the progress made in the State of Roraima since his appointment in 2018 in terms of GDP growth, poverty reduction, and job creation. He highlighted that the State’s GDP grew by 25.8 per cent in the last four years and is projected to grow by 11 per cent this year. This is due to an increase in the production of soya, corn, rice, cattle, and fish. In addition to being the fastest growing State in Brazil, it has also experienced a rapid population growth over the years.
Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud who led the discussions on the Guyana side noted that while Guyana and Brazil have shared excellent political and diplomatic relations over the decades, the two countries have not been able to fully develop economic ties. In this regard, he expressed the wish of President Ali for the trade mission to examine new ways of deepening economic ties, particularly at the level of the private sector.

The Foreign Secretary provided an update on the major infrastructure projects in Guyana including the Linden-Lethem Road, expansion of airports, and port development which would position Guyana as a logistical hub with enormous opportunities for Northern Brazil in terms of shipping at a reduced time and cost. To increase trade in a mutually beneficial way, the Foreign Secretary noted the need for a review of the Partial Scope Agreement, the framework under which trade is conducted between the two countries. Additionally, the two sides are in active discussions towards the operationalisation of the Guyana- Brazil International Road Transport Agreement (IRTA) which would see an increase in the movement of goods and people.

Further, the Foreign Secretary expressed gratitude to the people and Government of Brazil for their unwavering support of Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and in standing with Guyana against Venezuela’s aggression.
In his remarks at the private sector engagement, the Chief Investment Officer of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop described Guyana as an investor-friendly environment, with strong investment policy framework and robust trade agreements aimed at facilitating trade. He also emphasised the importance of moving beyond government-to-government conversations and positioning the private sector as a driving force in the expansion of trade and investment between the two countries.

During initial consultations, the Brazilian side expressed interest in exploring collaboration in technological transfer, exchange programmes between the University of Guyana and the University of the State of Roraima in the field of engineering and agriculture, research, importation of fertilisers, improvement of air connectivity between Georgetown and Boa Vista, and the development of a fibre optic cable between Guyana and Northern Brazil. On the other hand, the Guyana side expressed interest in increasing trade in construction materials, importation of soya bean, corn and grain for the Guyanese and Caribbean markets, port development, and market access.

In addition to the Governor, the Guyana team will meet with the Secretariat of Agriculture and the Director of Foreign Commerce, SEBRAE (Support Service for Micro and Small Enterprises), State Department of Tourism, Dry Port Authorities, Brazil- Guyana Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Industries of the State of Roraima.

Meanwhile, Mahaicony Businessman, Navindra Singh, in an interview with this publication said “the trade mission to Boa Vista represents a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between Guyana and Northern Brazil. As a businessman, I am particularly encouraged by the opportunities for collaboration in agro-processing, manufacturing, and port development. The discussions on improving cross-border trade, including logistical advancements through the Linden-Lethem Road and enhanced shipping channels, will undoubtedly benefit businesses on both sides.”

He continued: “With Roraima’s impressive economic growth and Guyana’s strategic position as a gateway to the Caribbean, there is immense potential for increased trade in key commodities such as soya, corn, and construction materials. Additionally, the private sector’s involvement in shaping investment frameworks ensures that we move beyond policy discussions to practical business partnerships. This initiative reinforces the commitment of both governments to facilitating trade, and I look forward to seeing tangible outcomes that will enhance economic cooperation and create new business opportunities for Guyanese entrepreneurs.”