Latest update April 25th, 2024 12:59 AM
Apr 04, 2012 News
Small and medium scale business operators engaging in similar ventures within the same area who are prepared to work collectively could benefit from financing from Government.
Within months, the administration will be launching a Small Business Development Fund creating and building incentives for the small and medium scale businesses.
This assertion was expressed acting Minister of Tourism, Industry, Trade and Commerce, Irfaan Ali, at the recent launching of GuyExpo 2012 at the International Conference Centre. He noted that before the actual commencement of GuyExpo on September 27, government would launch the programme.
Addressing the gathering, which comprised members of the public and private sectors, the Minister emphasised that Government wants this fund, though small, to function in such a way that economies of scales could be achieved and operators could benefit from the size of market.
He noted that the investment fund would operate somewhat like the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Women of Worth (WOW) programme.
Citing an example, he explained “If we look at Kwakwani as an area that we are going to develop a poultry industry and we have resources through this Fund to finance and to help 10 small farmers each doing 1,000 chickens… you are talking about 10,000 chickens, we would bring them together as a small group so whilst they are small they can compete at another level.”
Ali pointed out that this fund could also be used to help communities develop their tourism product, for instance, new eco-lodges could be built and existing ones strengthened.
He stressed that the 2012 Budget shows the great potential the tourism sector has in Guyana as a strong emerging sector.
“To this end, GuyExpo would have a Tourism Village that would seek not only to present our traditional forms of the tourism product but would bring an entire village approach to how we market this product,” Ali said.
He noted that Government decided to launch GuyExpo this early to market Guyana regionally and internationally – opining that it allows enough time to target those markets, invite investors and tourist operators operating outside of Guyana to interact, share and access information with locals that would help to expand and develop Guyana’s tourism sector.
“We are already in talks with Trinidad Yachter’s Association to have a ‘Sail Guyana Week’ where we hope to attract 60 yachts here in Guyana. We have started some discussions with THAG to have a ‘Drive Guyana’ trail,” Ali said.
He stressed that many small and medium scale businesses would benefit from these macro initiatives.
According to Ali, at this year’s event, government is looking to have investment fora targeting small, medium and large-sized businesses. It is hoped that these fora would create linkages, locally and regionally.
In addition, a special banking seminar would be hosted, benefiting small business operators. The seminar would allow the exchange of information on accessing loans from banks.
He said, “We want to bring everyone in a room and discuss and share information on how to access loans and development business proposals, and how we can build a more banking friendly environment for the small and medium size businesses.
There will also be a segment for youths to be exposed to various relevant skills for tomorrow’s development.”
He emphasised that GuyExpo is the ultimate showcase of Guyana’s future in terms of the business community and the country’s investment opportunities, while he also boasted that owing to good management of the event and active participation of the private sector, GuyExpo is now self sufficient.
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