Miami investors interested in Guyana’s agriculture sector -Minister Persaud 

Georgetown, GINA, November 02, 2007.

The Guyanese diaspora and other investors from Miami, Florida in the United States, have keen interest in various opportunities available in the local agricultural sector, according to Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud.
The Minister made the remarks after the Agro-Business Investment Opportunities Seminar held last evening during which he delivered a presentation on the various agricultural opportunities open for investments in Guyana.
            “The exercise was just to allow them (the Guyanese diaspora and others) to be familiar with what are the investments in agriculture, the possibility in agri-businesses and looking at the whole gamut from sugar right down to agro energy and all the crops,” Minister Persaud said.
            He said the event was very successful and included “hundreds of participants who demonstrated keen interest in different areas of agriculture and agri-business, not only production but also in terms of investing in infrastructure and the necessary logistics.”
              These expressions of interest will be followed-up by various agencies such as the Guyana Office for Investment (GOINVEST) and the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC). Additionally, some of the investors will visit Guyana shortly to further assess the agricultural potential while others have indicated that they will prepare proposals based on the Minister’s presentation.
            One of the most important hindrance to agriculture and export to Miami is the restriction on the list of products that could enter the area and Minister Persaud has urged that the US Government reconsider this to expand the list.
Some of the produce that are not allowed to enter Miami are allowed in other States, but this is a very important link that allows easier access for cargo from Guyana into the US. Discussions have already been held with officials of Miami and there are plans to take the matter to the Federal level.
            While in Florida, Minister Persaud attended the 10th America’s Food and Beverage Show held from October 29 to 31 during which a variety of agricultural produce were showcased at Guyana’s booth.
The response was very impressive, the Minister stated since Guyana was among few Caribbean countries that participated in the show. There were exhibitors and buyers from all over the world at the event.
Several potential buyers indicated their intention to visit Guyana to follow-up on market contacts and have a first-hand experience of what Guyana has to offer. The NGMC will follow-up the interest generated by buyers and other countries.

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