Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a pro-business policy framework, arguing that supporting businesses and supporting citizens are complementary goals.
Dr Singh made the remarks while addressing the 34th Annual General Meeting of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), where he represented President Dr Irfaan Ali.
Speaking to members of the diplomatic corps, corporate leaders and private sector stakeholders, Dr Singh said the government highly values its partnership with the business community and views the private sector as a central driver of economic growth and national prosperity.
“We are unapologetic about our pro-business stance… To be pro-business is to be pro-people,” Dr Singh said, in response to what he described as criticism often directed at government budgets in the National Assembly.
He said the administration rejects the notion that being pro-business conflicts with being pro-people, explaining that private sector investment creates jobs, generates incomes and improves livelihoods.
Dr Singh said Guyana’s strong economic performance over the past several years reflects the active participation and investment of local businesses.
“You are not just passively observing it, you are participating in it, you are contributing to it, and you are maintaining and accelerating its momentum,” he told the gathering.
While acknowledging Guyana’s rapid economic growth and expanding investment opportunities, Dr Singh cautioned that both the government and the private sector must remain focused on addressing challenges that accompany development.
He noted that despite the country’s unprecedented economic expansion, stakeholders cannot become complacent.
“In the midst of all of this great news… there are still a few things that we need constantly to keep our eyes on going forward,” he said.
The minister also praised the PSC’s role in mobilising investment and contributing to Guyana’s transformation, describing the organisation as an important partner in advancing the country’s development agenda.
