Guyanese businesses seek new partnerships, expanded market access at Agro Fest Barbados

Guyana is showcasing its growing economic diversification and agricultural potential at Agro Fest 2025, underscoring its commitment to regional food security and private-sector-driven development.

The country’s participation in the event, which runs from February 21–23 in Bridgetown, aligns with President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s Vision 2030 plan, positioning Guyana as a key player in reducing CARICOM’s food import bill and expanding market access for local businesses.

Leading the Guyanese delegation is Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, Chief Investment Officer and Agency Head of the Guyana Office for Investment. He emphasised the importance of Agro Fest 2025 in advancing Guyana’s economic transformation and expanding market access for local businesses.

“As Guyana leads in food security and economic diversification, Agro Fest 2025 provides the perfect platform to showcase our goods and services. With the support of both government and private-sector initiatives, our businesses are poised to forge new partnerships and expand market access. Initiatives like the ferry service and food terminal agreements will reduce logistical barriers and further boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Guyana and Barbados,” said Dr. Ramsaroop.

Around 80 Guyanese businesses are participating in the event, representing industries such as agro-processing, tourism, handicrafts, furniture, cosmetics, and fresh produce. This diverse showcase highlights Guyana’s dynamic and expanding economy.

The government and private sector have provided technical and financial support to businesses, with the Small Business Bureau sponsoring 12 companies, while DDL and Tropical Shipping have helped ship two 40-foot containers to ensure the efficient delivery of Guyanese products to Barbadian consumers.

A key feature of Guyana’s participation will be the B2B event – Agri-Exchange/Diaspora-Connect, scheduled for February 24, 2025. This platform will facilitate direct engagement between businesses from Guyana and Barbados, fostering new trade opportunities and long-term investment partnerships.

Several Guyanese brands have already gained a foothold in the Barbadian market, including Comfort Sleep, Only Coconuts, and Tidy-Up.

The Guyana Marketing Corporation has also opened a Guyana Shop in Bridgetown at Sachin Minimart, providing a retail outlet for local products.

New features at the Guyana Pavilion this year include live cooking demonstrations offering a taste of authentic Guyanese cuisine and a Virtual Reality Tourism Experience, providing a 360-degree immersive view of Guyana’s eco-tourism destinations and investment-ready sites.

Banks DIH Ltd. and Demerara Distillers Ltd. (DDL) will also add excitement to the pavilion, hosting export market launches. DDL will debut its ‘Topco’ product line and Savannah Milk, while Banks DIH will showcase wines, cream liqueurs, and selected malt products.

The Guyana Office for Investment’s continued involvement in Agro Fest 2025 underscores its commitment to sustainable development, trade expansion, and regional cooperation, in line with President Ali’s Vision 2030 and Beyond plan.