EU-funded agency sees great potential on int’l markets for Guyana agro products

…local firms eligible for grants to help rebound from COVID-19

Caribbean Exports Development Agency, an organisation funded by the European Union (EU) through the 11th development fund, is in Guyana to assist local businesses. It believes that there is great potential for products unique to Guyana, including agro-processed products, on the international market.
Caribbean Export’s Competitiveness Manager, Dr Damie Sinanan, recently sat down with this publication to discuss his organisation. He explained that Caribbean Export, which has been in existence since 1997 and is a Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) organisation, is in Guyana to form partnerships with the Private Sector and other stakeholders.

“Right now, I’m here to promote our grants programme, which is called the direct support programme. The grants programme provides grant funding to Private Sector firms, where they can access up to €30,000 to execute any project to help design and build their business and help them rebound from the impact of the pandemic.”
“So, I’m here to work with the different stakeholders in Guyana to make sure that more Guyanese firms can apply and access grant funding under this programme,” Dr Sinanan explained to this publication.
He explained that he has been attending meetings and that further meetings are planned throughout the week. According to Sinanan, Guyana possesses bountiful resources that could prove lucrative as exports for the international market.
“Actually agro-processing is a wonderful industry in Guyana. You guys have the competitive advantage in that you have the land space, excellent farming techniques. So I see the grant funding really benefitting the agro businesses and agro-processing. So to help these businesses who are doing for example the pepper sauces and the sauces and condiments, to really look at the export market and to really go out there and sell the Guyanese products to the world.”
“The craft sector is also really good in Guyana. We worked with a number of firms in the craft sector who do excellent work. And these are the kind of products you find in demand on the international market, because it is unique and a niche product for Guyana,” Dr Sinanan also said.
Caribbean Export also works with other creative sectors such as fashion designers and musicians. He also noted that there are opportunities for those in the services sector to benefit from the grants.
Dr Sinanan went on to explain the process of accessing the grants, urging businesses to reach out and benefit from the initiative.
“What I would encourage everybody to do is to log onto the website, www.carib-export.com. You will see the information about the direct support grants programme. There are tutorials to walk you through the application process.”
“The application process is very simple. You have to fill out an application form, develop a project budget and submit supporting documents, such as two years financial statements. And if you need support, you can contact us directly or your local business support organisations,” he further explained.
These business support organisations which Sinanan has been arranging meetings with during his visit to Guyana, include the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA). (G3)