Go-Invest to review operational model to improve ability to promote exports

Aug 31, 2018 News

Go-Invest CEO,
Owen Verwey

If the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) intends to improve the way it promotes local products, then it has to review its operational and institutional model.
This was revealed yesterday by Go-Invest Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Owen Verwey. At a press conference held at the Duke Lodge, Verwey said that a proposed strategic plan will be developed. He said that it would be in-line with the vision set forth for the Agency by the Ministry of Business.
The CEO said that the plan will also be done through the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) Project, which focuses on developing Investment Promotion and Export Promotion Strategies.
Through the NQI Project, Verwey also revealed that GO-Invest’s website will undergo major design upgrades during 2019 to ensure a modern, up-to-date and user-friendly platform. Additionally, a Client Relationship Management (CRM) System will be implemented to enable continuous monitoring and evaluation of investment processes.
The organisation has already embarked on a programme to raise awareness among the public and key stakeholders about its functions and objectives. This has seen the development of a comprehensive Communications Strategy and a 12-month implementation plan that will engage all stakeholders through a range of interventions utilising workshops, presentations, meetings, social media platforms as well as print, radio and television-based initiatives.
COLLABORATION WITH SMALL BUSINESSES
In addition to the aforementioned, the GO-Invest CEO said that the Office will also deepen its collaboration with the Small Business Bureau and the Ministry of Agriculture in order to assist farmers producing traditional and non-traditional crops.
He believes that this is necessary to aid them in understanding the business and profitability aspects of crop farming, cluster participation, international market opportunities (such as accessing assistance under the European Development Fund) and developing internal capacities to make them export-ready.
Verwey said that GO-Invest is supporting initiatives, which promote agricultural activities and investment including events such as Regional, Agricultural and Commercial Exhibition (RACE).
The Agency also continues to work along with Government Agencies, Ministries and local private sector bodies to improve the investment climate through its continued participation on various committees/councils.