Republic Bank focusing on investing in sustainable agriculture

Republic Bank Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) is showcasing its regional financing expertise at Guyana’s inaugural Agri-Investment Forum and Expo, which is being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and ends tomorrow.

With a theme of “Investing in Vision 25 by 2025”, this event was conceptualised through a partnership between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Guyana’s Ministry of Agriculture.

A key objective of the forum and expo is to identify and develop regional opportunities for agriculture and food production, agricultural financing, trading arrangements, cross-border investment zones and infrastructural development.

Ultimately, it is anticipated that the discussions, knowledge sharing and expertise during the event will support the region in achieving its target of a 25 per cent reduction in its food import bill.

The RFHL Group is represented by Richard S. Sammy, Vice President designate and Republic Bank Guyana’s Managing Director Stephen Grell, who are participating in high-level discussions with multilateral development institutions including the Inter-American Development Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank.

According to Sammy: “Our Group is committed to providing the right levels of access to financing for viable agricultural investment, aligning with our support to the region’s attainment of sustainable development goals.

“Not only will our participation in this event help with much-needed economic diversification and post-pandemic recovery, but in the longer-term, it will redound to the benefit of our environment and society.”

With a far-reaching geographic focus on territories such as Anguilla, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Ghana, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, the RFHL Group has committed US$200 million to climate financing.

Under this funding commitment, sustainable land management specific to agriculture and forestry is one of 12 priority areas. (PR)