UK aiming for ‘long-term partnerships’ with Guyana – High Commissioner

The United Kingdom’s third trade mission is currently here to explore investments in the abundant available opportunities and foster investments via partnerships in leading industries.
Amid this development, High Commissioner Jane Miller has reassured that the UK is aiming for long-term partnerships in the Guyanese economy.
During a reception for a visiting British trade mission at the British High Commissioner’s Residence on Thursday evening, the envoy shed light on the quality that British brands bring to the market, where their partners can expect value for money.
“We are people that establish relationships. We are looking for a long-term partnership and that is the British brand. It is the quality that we bring. It’s the value for money and it’s the innovation. But most of all, it is about those long-term relationships…The British brand is seen as high-quality. It’s seen as something that’s about innovation and value for money. It might not be cheap. But the thing about it is that it will last,” she underlined.

British companies have recorded great successes, with 50 per cent of those who would have visited under previous missions already doing some form of business with Guyana. There has been a significant step up in trade between both nations since, recorded at £1.6 billion.
The High Commissioner also lauded the diversity of companies which have visited to seek out opportunities, ranging from infrastructure, security, insurance, and heavy equipment among others.
Meanwhile, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond mentioned that Guyana boasts a conducive environment for business development. She pointed to the IMF’s recently released report, which highlighted Guyana’s noteworthy growth and wise management of the economy.
“This kind of movement doesn’t come lightly. It does come from vision and dedication from a Government that understands how to navigate how we fit in the world economy. Investors have to come and have confidence. The success is because the confidence is there and [companies] have heard that an enabling environment will be created from the investment.”
This week, The Caribbean Council facilitated the third delegation of companies from the United Kingdom and included Price Forbes, Invest Northern Ireland, Sangfroid Group, Enviro Technology Services, Colibri, Contracta, Dints International and Innovo.
The delegation was expected to meet Government officials and also facilitate direct business talks with the private sector. From all indications, companies were interested in infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture and oil and gas opportunities.
Overall, many trade barriers have been reduced to make it easier for both sides to do business in a conducive and effective environment. Last year, the visa requirement for the UK was waived for Guyanese citizens. Direct flights also now mean direct airfreight and cheaper trade.
The UK had also signed an economic partnership agreement (EPA) with the CARIFORUM trade bloc, which is in effect. It provides for duty-free, quota-free access to goods exported from the CARIFORUM State in exchange they commit to gradual tariff liberalisation of goods.