Guyana and Brazil are seeking to deepen trade and economic ties as part of ongoing efforts to improve cross-border relations between the two countries.
This comes on the heels of a Guyanese public and private sector trade mission to Boa Vista, aimed at exploring trade and investment opportunities with Northern Brazil and expanding collaboration in areas such as agro-processing, manufacturing, construction, tourism, food distribution, and port development.
Additionally, the two sides are in active discussions about the operation of the Guyana-Brazil International Road Transport Agreement (IRTA), which would increase the movement of goods and people.
According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, who led the discussions on Guyana’s side, noted that while the two countries have shared excellent political and diplomatic relations for decades, they have not been able to fully develop economic ties.
In this regard, he expressed the wish of President Dr Irfaan Ali for the trade mission to examine new ways to do so, particularly at the private sector level.
During initial consultations, the Brazilian side expressed interest in exploring collaboration in technological transfer, exchange programmes between the University of Guyana and the University of the State of Roraima in the fields of engineering and agriculture, research, importation of fertilisers, improving air connectivity between Georgetown and Boa Vista, and the development of a fibre-optic cable between the two countries.
On Monday, the Guyanese team met with the Governor of the State of Roraima, Antonio Denarium, to exchange views on areas of interest and explore possible areas of cooperation.
The Governor expressed the readiness of the State of Roraima to expand trade and economic relations with Guyana, noting that the state offers an excellent environment for investment. He also outlined the progress made in Roraima since his appointment in 2018 in terms of GDP growth, poverty reduction, and job creation.
Meanwhile, Persaud provided an update on major infrastructure projects in Guyana, including the Linden-Lethem Road, expansion of airports, and port development, which would position Guyana as a logistical hub with enormous opportunities for Northern Brazil in terms of shipping.
In an effort to increase trade in a mutually beneficial way, the Foreign Secretary highlighted the need for a review of the Partial Scope Agreement, the framework under which trade is conducted between the two countries.
The Guyanese side expressed interest in increasing trade in construction materials, the importation of soya beans, corn, and grain for the Guyanese and Caribbean markets, port development, and market access.
Persaud expressed gratitude to the people and Government of Brazil for their unwavering support of Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and for standing with Guyana against Venezuela’s aggression.
In his remarks, Chief Investment Officer of Go-Invest, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, described Guyana as an investor-friendly environment, with a strong investment policy framework and robust trade agreements aimed at facilitating trade.
He also emphasised the importance of moving beyond government-to-government discussions and positioning the private sector as a driving force in the expansion of trade and investment between the two countries.
The Guyanese team will also meet with the Secretariat of Agriculture, the Director of Foreign Commerce, Support Service for Micro and Small Enterprises (SEBRAE), the State Department of Tourism, Dry Port Authorities, the Brazil-Guyana Chamber of Commerce, and the Federation of Industries of the State of Roraima.
Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud with Governor of the State of Roraima, Antonio Denarium
