—PPP/C administration will continue to invest in incentives, promote business growth, Minister Rodrigues says

 

By Naomi Parris

 

TOURISM Minister Susan Rodrigues has reaffirmed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration is “open, accommodating and fully supportive” of the private sector, pledging continued incentives and an enabling environment to spur business growth across Guyana.

 

Addressing the 136th award presentation and gala of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Thursday evening, Rodrigues stressed the depth of the partnership between government and the business community.

 

“The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic government remains open, accommodating and fully supportive of the private sector and all private sector organisations,” she told the gathering, noting that the government’s record has been characterised by strong support for the private sector, including micro and small enterprises.

 

She said this backing is not merely rhetorical but grounded in policy.

 

“We have backed this support with policy approaches designed to incentivise investment and encourage business expansion and diversification, “Rodrigues said.

 

Highlighting the economic impact of these measures, the Minister pointed to broad-based national growth.

 

“This vision is producing real results. We have witnessed significant growth in every sector. Our 2025 mid-year report confirmed that the non-oil economy expanded by 13.8 per cent … agriculture, fishing and forestry alone grew by an estimated 9 per cent. These results reflect the resilience of our businesses, the confidence of investors and the strength of the policies put in place by this administration.”

 

Rodrigues underscored that creating a favourable climate for enterprise remains a central priority.

 

“This administration will continue to incentivise investment, remove barriers and create an enabling environment for business growth, we want to see economic expansion reach every region of this country.”

 

She pointed to new tourism and regional development opportunities as examples of this approach.

 

“We recently published expressions of interest for ecologies and tourism related investment for new projects in Regions Two, Three, Four, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten for the construction of eco lodges and resorts. These are potential opportunities for business expansion through engagement and partnership with local communities, and I would welcome seeing members of the GCCI submitting proposals for these initiatives.”

 

The minister further reported record performance in the tourism sector, describing it as one of the clearest signs of confidence in Guyana’s economy.

 

“We continue to record historic arrival numbers with every month in 2025 year on year increases over the corresponding period. In fact, for the period January to October 2025 we have already surpassed the total number of visitor arrivals for 2024… Our projected figure for 2025 now stands at an impressive 20 per cent growth, the highest ever recorded in Guyana.”

 

“This continued growth in visitor arrivals will significantly benefit our hotels and tourism stakeholders, and will ensure that the sector remains vibrant, competitive and highly attractive for investment,” she added.

 

Beyond tourism, Rodrigues said the government is moving to support creative industries, standards and exports.

 

“Our government is prepared to pursue legal and regulatory reforms to protect creative industry assets and encourage investment, “she noted, adding that an enhanced Guyana certification initiative “will bring more companies under the brand Guyana umbrella and allow for improved export readiness [and] access to new markets.”

 

She also detailed targeted support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including financing tools and upcoming zero per cent interest loans.

 

President Dr. Irfaan Ali had previously announced that the forthcoming Guyana Development Bank will be capitalised with a minimum of US$200 million and is expected to become operational before the end of the first quarter of 2026.

 

It was reported that a special incentive regime will be introduced to encourage commercial banks to expand lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), mirroring the incentives offered to banks in the housing sector.

 

In return, commercial banks will be required to lower interest rates to below four per cent and reduce collateral requirements for SME borrowers.

 

“At the Small Business Bureau, we continue to support small enterprises through our loan guarantee program… This programme is designed to help small businesses access financing from commercial banks,” the minister said.

 

Rodrigues framed these initiatives as part of a deliberate strategy to let business take the lead on growth.

 

“The groundwork has been laid, and the enabling environment is in place. Your government has done the heavy lifting. What is required now is the determination to take advantage of the possibilities.”

 

Reiterating the administration’s stance, she added: “The incentives exist and your government is supporting. What is needed now is vision and action.”