Chamber of Commerce signs agreement with Indian counterparts
- invites members to capitalize on Guyana's strategic location
Guyana Chronicle
August 28, 2003
GINA - The private sector delegation accompanying President Bharrat Jagdeo on his State visit to India has made headway in enhancing business cooperation with its Indian counterparts.
The delegation's activities are centered on securing greater Indian business interests and activities in Guyana's sectors.
To this end, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) have signed a Joint Business Council agreement in India that will facilitate enhanced business activities.
GCCI President, Mr. Edward Boyer, who on Monday signed the agreement in New Delhi on Guyana's behalf, anticipates that as a result of the agreement and interactions with the Indian business community, there is now enthusiasm by Indian businesses in Guyana, especially in the manufacturing sector.
Boyer disclosed that a Guyanese private sector trade delegation will be visiting India shortly to follow up on discussions and interests shown by the Indian business community during the current State visit.
President Jagdeo who addressed a luncheon hosted by the FICCI in his honour in New Delhi also on Monday, extended an invitation to the Indian commerce and manufacturing sector to make use of Guyana's strategic position in the context of the impending Free Trade Areas of the Americas and its proximity to the CARICOM and South American markets.
Prior to his departure for India, President Jagdeo had said that not much success was had by Guyana in the development of greater economic contact with India, largely because of the infrequent contacts between businessmen and the geographical distance. He had also expressed the hope that this trip could have enhanced the prospects.
It was in this context that the President explained that fostering greater economic ties with business counterparts in India is a priority on the five-day trip.
The Guyana delegation includes members of the business community who it is expected will advance this objective.
As a consequence, the Joint Communiqué to be released at the end of the State Visit is expected to contain framework measures for enhanced economic and business cooperation at the levels of the Government and private sector.
The delegation include Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Clement Rohee, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Gail Teixeira, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Doodnauth Singh, Adviser to the President on Investment Maniram Prashad and Information Liaison to the President Robert Persaud representing the Government.
Representatives of the private sector accompanying President Jagdeo on the visit are from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and include the President Edward Boyer, President of the Guyana Trades Union Congress, Mr. Carvil Duncan and President of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana, Mr. Fazal Feroze.