‘Real opportunities’ exist to expand trade, relationship with St. Lucia – Pres. Ali

Noting that St Lucia imports close to US$12 million in fish and poultry on an annual basis, President Ali suggested that a consortium is formed between the private sectors of both countries to keep the trade within the CARICOM region.

“This import can occur within the region. This business can be developed in the region. These opportunities can be catalysed within the region, your work can be created within the region. Both St Lucia and Guyana will benefit, and the region will benefit as a whole.”

But the Guyanese Head of State, who is the incoming Chairman of CARICOM, reiterated his call for the removal of trade barriers within the region.

As it relates to food security, President Ali spoke about Guyana becoming a regional food hub, highlighting that work in this area is ongoing with Northern Brazil.

As so, he believes that St Lucia can benefit from this.

“If you look at the opportunities that exist in northern Brazil, in terms of food production and raw food, one of the disadvantages that we have had in Guyana was the cost of energy because the cost of energy was inhibitive to processing, agro-processing, manufacturing, and industrial development.

“By next year the cost of energy will reduce by 50%. That makes us a very competitive destination now for agro processing. How is it that we can build a regional food hub in such a way that it connects St. Lucia not only for your own needs but also for St Lucia to become a distribution hub?

“That is the type of model we have to build; that is the type of co-investment that the private sector must make. That is a type of joint operation that the government of St. Lucia and the Government of Guyana are committed to ensuring that we create these opportunities,” President Ali said.

He urged the St Lucian government to work towards economic diversification, noting that they can depend on Guyana.

“You can rely on Guyana. You can count on Guyana.  And, know that in Guyana, you have a friend and a partner in your development and in your advancement,” President Ali said.