The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) wants more overseas trade missions to help local businesses find buyers, build partnerships and expand exports.
GMSA President Rafeek Khan said Guyanese companies need stronger support to reach international markets, especially as the country seeks to move from local production to global opportunity.
Khan said the government has a clear role in facilitating export growth through international trade events and business missions.
“I would like to see more trade events happening internationally,” Khan said.
He said when Guyanese companies travel with government delegations, they are able to attract a different type of audience and larger crowds because international businesses want to meet both the companies and the official representatives accompanying them.
Khan said Guyanese businesses have already participated in overseas missions with government support, including visits to India, Dubai and Barbados. He said more of those efforts are needed to help manufacturers and service providers break into export markets.
The GMSA President said exports are critical because they allow companies to earn foreign currency and reduce reliance on the domestic economy.
He said Guyanese businesses should think about export routes by land, air and sea, including selling to nearby markets such as Suriname and Brazil, shipping products globally by ocean freight and using air cargo to reach Miami and Caribbean destinations.
Khan said the world is paying attention to Guyana, and local businesses now have a rare opportunity to showcase their products and services to international markets.
He also said private sector organisations such as the GMSA have a role to play in sharing information, connecting members to opportunities and helping businesses position themselves.
For Guyana’s manufacturing and services sector, expanded trade missions could be a practical tool to turn growing global interest into export contracts, foreign currency earnings and stronger international partnerships.
