Guyana has the potential to become “competent food producer” in region – Pres. Granger
– entrepreneurship, finance, infrastructure needed to launch Guyana as capable food producer for the region
– more work needed to attract foreign investors
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, September 1, 2018
President David Granger, on Friday, said while the economy has not grown at a pace he desires, he is pleased with the increased investments.
The president, speaking at a press conference, attributed the lack of renewable energy and underdevelopment of the manufacturing sector as two main reasons why the economy has not grown at a faster rate.
The Head of State noted that “fortunately we have an increase in investments and we have before us a prospect of cheaper energy which will become the basis for a manufacturing industry… We need to invite foreign investors, we need to provide opportunities for young people to go into various fields, we need to develop agro-processing, we need to encourage micro-finance and micro-industries.”
The president also expressed satisfaction with the work of the Ministries of Business and Agriculture.
Reference was made to Guyana being the “breadbasket of the Caribbean” as an aspirational term, however, President Granger believes that the country has the capability to produce essential commodities that countries in the Eastern Caribbean need.
The president stated that “the potential is there…but it requires entrepreneurship, it requires capital, it requires finance, it requires equipment, it requires cheap power but yes I feel this is possible within the next two to five years period.”
In this regard, the president noted that the Prime Minister of Jamaica, who has responsibility for the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), has convened a conference which he believes will be the basis for launching Guyana as a competent and capable food producer.
Further, President Granger said:
“I wouldn’t call it a bread basket but certainly Guyana has the capability, it is the largest CARICOM state and yes, we could do much more if we had the investment, if we had the infrastructure …and if we had the entrepreneurial elite that is prepared to put in money into food production.”
By: Stacy Carmichael.
Image: Keno George.