Guyana continuing to improve phytosanitary conditions to meet int’l export standards – Pres Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali has assured that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is continuing its work to improve the country’s capacity to meet the phytosanitary standards that govern international imports.
During recent Europe Day celebrations, the Head of State spoke of imports from Guyana to the European Union (EU). As much as US$9.7 billion in products from Guyana were imported by the EU in 2024, though crude oil formed the majority of these imports. However, Ali made it clear that the Government is working on diversifying the trade portfolio to include more agriculture products.
“For us to realise this, it is important that we build the eco system, with the phytosanitary requirements and all the other international certifications. And we’ve been working with the European Union, to ensure that as we build out that capacity, we’re building it within the eco system that will support the smooth export of these commodities,” President Ali said.
The more elaborate trade programme that will allow Guyana to increase its export capacity and the range of products being exported to Europe and other countries, will include other crops like coconuts and fresh fruits and vegetables.
“We have been working on a very elaborate trade programme. To build our capacity here in Guyana. To access a more diversified market in Europe. Fresh fruits and vegetables. Coconut water from Pomeroon.”
“And we’re very confident…with the type of infrastructure and investment we’re putting in place for the agricultural expansion. Especially in products like coconut, coconut water and by-products, this also would be an important area for the trade expansion,” President Ali added.
Phytosanitary standards refer to international benchmarks implemented by individual countries, in order to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests and diseases, particularly through the import of agriculture products and by-products.
There is a regime of phytosanitary standards, called the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs). They range from the need to monitor, control and eradicate the spread of pests to the issuance of phytosanitary certificates
In 2023, Guyana earned $897 million from agro-processed exports. This came with over 140 new local products being introduced that year, leading to export volume growing by 61 per cent.
In September 2024, President Ali had announced that legume production for 2024 increased by 106 per cent, peanut production increased by 286 per cent, coconut production saw a 55 per cent increase, while ground provisions and vegetables increased by an average of 218 per cent.
In 2024, Guyana’s total export earnings reached US$22.41 billion. In his 2025 budget speech, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh had announced that the other crops sub sector had grown by 10.9 per cent in 2024, with significant growth recorded in the production of vegetables, fruits, root crops, beans and cereals, coconuts and spices, largely on account of increased acreage.
Months after assuming office in 2020, President Ali charged the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry to assess and address the hurdles related to exporting food and agricultural products to markets within the Region. The Ministry subsequently formed a National Working Group on Barriers to Trade against Exports from Guyana.
According to the assessment on market access by the Working Group, most of the challenges found were related to technical measures, including sanitary and phytosanitary measures. It also found several technical and administrative regulations that were hampering the export of Guyanese products.