Guyana and Barbados: blossoming partnership at Agrofest

In a vibrant display of regional integration, Guyana’s presence at Agrofest showcased more than just products—it highlighted a deepening alliance between the two nations. With over 80 Guyanese distributors participating, the event served as a springboard for joint ventures, from coconut collaborations to tantalising tourism packages, promising to reshape the region’s economic landscape.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) participated in the exhibition. This instalment saw a large contingent showcasing products and services which were representative of Guyana’s diverse economic landscape. Spanning various industries, they included handicrafts, garments, furniture, cosmetics and fresh produce. The group was also comprised of producers, manufacturers, and consultants.

Speaking to Barbados TODAY on the final day of the national agricultural exhibition, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, chief investment officer of the Government of Guyana and GO-Invest’s agency head, highlighted the deepening partnership between the two nations.

This collaborative effort between Barbados and Guyana extends across multiple sectors. he elaborated: “We are working on the ferry service, we are working on the food hub, we are working on reducing CARICOM’s bill.”

Dr Ramsaroop highlighted the potential for joint ventures based on their involvement in Agrofest. He explained, “This is a chance for our producers and distributors to link up with Barbados’ distributors to understand how to progress in the market.” Expressing optimism about the economic potential, he added: “I believe this is a great relationship. We can partner with distributors in Barbados, to get our products in the wider market.”

Dr Ramsaroop pointed to synergy between the two nations: “Barbados has coconuts, Guyana has coconuts, why can’t we combine the two coconuts to create a product that we sell to the cruise ships?”

Tourism is another key focus. He revealed plans for a joint tourism initiative: “Both the president and the prime minister have agreed to twin the product, couple days on the beach in Barbados, two days in the jungle in Guyana.”

Agrofest provides an opportunity to forge business partnerships beyond trade. “It’s not just about the sale of our products or the people here. It is about the relationship and how we move that forward,” he added.

Dr Ramsaroop assured: “We are looking forward to more stronger relationships with Barbados and we are committed to solving CARICOM’s food problem together, reducing the bill by 25 per cent this year, and ultimately getting the other 75 per cent tackled.”

(STT)