Businesses working together to achieve transformation agenda

Businesses in Region Three have come together to transform the region into an economic powerhouse and have embraced networking to achieve this goal.
On Monday, over 200 persons representing businesses as well as supporting agencies met at an event hosted by the Essequibo Islands–West Demerara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Region Three.
The event was designed to help them capitalise on upcoming business opportunities, Secretary and Public Relations Officer Theon Alleyne told Ignite News.
“There were business people from all sectors,” said Alleyne, adding that “there were artistes in the room, pastry providers, persons who specialise in desserts, construction companies of every type. It was essentially all the businesses in Region Three regardless of size showing up.”
Alleyne noted the chamber’s keenness in ensuring that Region Three businesses are part of the massive growth the country is experiencing and said the body is already making moves to access low-hanging opportunities, particularly those being provided by the government.
“In the social space, the Chamber of Commerce is going to have a collaboration with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security which should be launched next month. We are already in the planning stages to provide training to businesses in the region to prepare them to bid for projects and qualify themselves for opportunities in procurement.”
In agriculture, the chamber is already working to solve some of the problems facing the sector so it can take advantage of regional and global opportunities. Opportunities include the cocoa farming initiative introduced by the Dominican Republic and the potential of Grace Kennedy Foods canning and packaging produce locally.
The chamber’s goal is to ensure that Region Three benefits from such opportunities by making sure businesses are at a level where they can truly participate and provide the necessary standard of service.
Addressing the theme of the event, ‘From farm belt to economic powerhouse’, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in his keynote address, said Region Three is positioned to become the “industrial capital of Guyana,” with projects such as the gas-to-energy initiative coming on stream, and the region’s strategic position between the city and major ports such as the Essequibo.
“Region Three is no longer a quiet rural backwater area. It is emerging as one of the most dynamic and promising regions in Guyana. With expanding infrastructure, flourishing commercial services and top-tier entertainment venues, the region is already being transformed before our eyes; it is a critical hub for the movement of people, produce and services.”
Under the People’s Progressive Party government, President Ali said more assistance and opportunities will be given to the region to further its development.