3 weeks ago
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Two containers of locally produced agro-processed goods are set to enter Caribbean markets, marking what Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali described as a tangible step toward transforming farm output into export-driven wealth for households and communities.
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President Ali made the disclosure during an end-of-year conversation on Tuesday with five female journalists and students at the Railway Courtyard, where he outlined an integrated economic and social model aimed at reducing poverty, expanding household wealth and building a diversified, resilient economy.
“You are seeing it at the Christmas markets and across the country: single mothers and small processors improving their products,” the president said. “Today, we have just negotiated two containers of agro-processed goods going into the Caribbean.”
He emphasized that the shipment is not symbolic but reflects deliberate policies designed to position Guyana as a competitive, diversified economy that places families, farmers, young people and small businesses at the center of national growth.
According to the president, the agro-processing milestone highlights efforts to incentivize agriculture, empower small producers—particularly women—and link village-level production to regional and global markets. As Guyana’s role as a food supplier in the Caribbean grows, Ali revealed that discussions are underway to establish a commercial arm of the Guyana Defence Force to integrate food production with the CARICOM market.
Ali also referenced recent discussions with the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, noting that young Antiguan investors are developing transport capabilities and are looking to Guyana as a key food supplier for their domestic market.
In addition, the president announced plans to use the Guyana Development Bank to introduce entrepreneurship education in schools, teaching students how to form consortia and develop bankable ideas from an early age. He stressed that Guyana’s rapid development requires a shift in national mindset.
“Wealth creation is not accidental. It is planned at the national level through policies and programmes and felt at the community level,” he said, cautioning against attitudes that undermine productivity during a critical phase of development.
On food security, Ali acknowledged that regional targets have been affected by hurricanes, climate shocks and post-pandemic demand but said Guyana has made significant progress. He pointed to expanded poultry, livestock, egg, aquaculture, corn and soya production, with exports to the wider Caribbean expected within the next two years.
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The president added that international investors are actively pursuing opportunities in large-scale livestock and swine production, sugar refining, ethanol, mega farms and hydroponics, reflecting growing confidence in Guyana’s policy environment.
“Guyana is now seen as a country with a serious policy agenda and a strong ecosystem that supports agriculture and food production,” Ali said.
English (US) ·