REGIONAL conglomerate Ansa McAL has answered President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s call to leverage its extensive Caribbean distribution network to help promote Guyanese-made products across the region.

During a sod-turning ceremony on Friday for the company’s new US$60 million mall at Chateau Margot, East Coast Demerara, President Ali urged Ansa McAL to partner with Guyanese agro-processors, farmers, and small businesses to ensure their goods reach regional markets.

“Ansa McAL has the greatest distribution footprint in the region; your products are in every supermarket. You have three malls — this one will make four,” the President said.

He pointed out that while Guyana continues to invest heavily in agriculture and agro-processing, local producers often face barriers to entering regional markets, particularly Trinidad and Tobago.

“I charge Ansa McAL, with the support of the Guyana Marketing Corporation, to distribute Guyanese products in every one of your supermarkets,” President Ali declared.

The Head of State reminded the company that Guyana’s growing capacity is not just for domestic prosperity but for regional benefit.

“We have made a remarkable contribution to this region, and everything we are building is for this region. Our healthcare system will be available to this region. The region must back us. Ansa McAL must back us. You must remove those barriers in Trinidad and Tobago that keep our goods off their shelves,” Dr Ali said.

He added that Guyana stands ready to consolidate shipments of local produce for export through the company’s network and stressed that investment must extend beyond retail.

“We don’t want Guyana to be seen only as a retail centre. We want investment in the value chain. If we don’t get the support, we have no choice but to build the infrastructure ourselves,” the President warned.

Responding immediately, Ansa McAL Chairman Anthony Norman Sabga pledged to support the President’s vision, proposing the development of a farmers’ market and green zone within the new mall’s complex — complete with stalls for indigenous products and sports facilities.

Sabga noted that Guyana’s rice is already distributed through Ansa McAL’s regional network, and the company intends to expand the shipment of other local goods. He directed his team to begin working with local agencies to organise the first containers of Guyanese-made products for distribution.

“I applaud the level of inspiration where a government wants to work with businesses to grow the fortunes of the country for everyone. When a country prospers, everybody prospers. Your ambition is phenomenal,” Sabga said.

Operating in Guyana for over 33 years, Ansa McAL has evolved from a trading company into a diversified conglomerate spanning automotive, beverage, and construction services.