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January 27, 2026
January 27, 2026
The 2026 National Budget creates new opportunities for manufacturing, agro-processing, logistics, and small business growth in Region Three, according to Halim Khan, head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc).
Speaking after Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh presented the budget to the National Assembly, Khan said the plan’s focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), housing, infrastructure, value-added production, and human capital development reflects years of advocacy by the private sector in the region.
“National development is no longer confined to Georgetown or a few coastal pockets. For Region Three, it opens real opportunities across multiple sectors,” Khan said.
Budget 2026 introduces measures to lower business costs and expand access to financing, including a capitalised Guyana Development Bank providing zero-interest microcredit to small entrepreneurs, expanded co-investment through commercial banks, and removal of VAT on locally made furniture and jewellery. Export incentives for value-added forestry products were also enhanced.
The budget raises the low-income mortgage ceiling from $20 million to $30 million and extends access to insurance companies, supporting construction and related industries. Infrastructure upgrades—including roads, utilities, and community services—aim to better integrate Region Three into the national economy.
Khan highlighted investments in health and education, including regional hospitals, electronic health records, nurse training, scholarships, free university education, technical and vocational training, and digital schooling programmes.
“Budget 2026 demonstrates that national growth and regional development can go hand-in-hand. The private sector is ready to do its part,” he said.
