Guyana gains insights from France’s ports to boost exports

Insights from France’s advanced port, logistics, and agri-processing systems are directly relevant to Guyana’s growth, Chief Investment Officer Peter Ramsaroop said, following the conclusion of the first leg of the Guyana–EU Global Gateway Study Tour.

The delegation visited Paris and Marseille, meeting with HAROPA Port at the Port of Gennevilliers, touring the Port of Fos-Marseille and its eastern basin, and holding an in-depth session with MGI, developers of the Ci5 Port Community System. According to a release, the engagements provided a clear understanding of how integrated digital platforms, multimodal transport, and strong public–private collaboration support efficient European supply chains.

Reflecting on the France leg, Ramsaroop said France gave an excellent start.

“The insights from these ports and logistics companies are directly relevant to Guyana’s growth. As we move into the next countries, we will build on this momentum by engaging the EU’s leading institutions and private-sector partners. The upcoming meetings with DG INTPA, DG AGRI, and a range of European businesses will deepen our understanding of how Guyana can strengthen its connectivity, infrastructure and agri-export pathways,” he said.

The next phase of the tour will include engagements in Brussels with the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) and DG AGRI, as well as meetings with dredging associations, seaport organisations, cruise liners, and chambers of commerce.

VEHSI Director Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer said the level of coordination between technology, governance, and industry in the French port system shows the kind of modernisation Guyana can pursue.

“These engagements gave us a clear picture of what is achievable,” he said.

GMSA President Rafeek Khan added that understanding Europe’s logistics and agri-supply chain integration provides valuable guidance for improving Guyana’s export systems.

“The lessons here will support competitiveness for our agro-processors and wider business community while ensuring financial sustainability of the port operations.”

With France completed, the study tour now moves on to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain, where the delegation will continue high-level engagements with private sector and government institutions.