Guyana Trade Watch Magazine - Issue 2

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APRIL- JUNE 2019 / ISSUE 2

Leveraging Capturing GuyanaFunctions of Free Guyana’s Guyana’s Global Guyana in European General Trade with Movement the Guyana Value Union Trade Photography: Office for under the Trade the Kingdom Chains Sajid Husani Relations Investment CSME Patterns of the Netherlands

A Magazine of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperative Republic of Guyana

A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER In this issue of the Trade Watch magazine, we provide an update on Guyana’s general trade patterns over the first quarter of 2019. We also take a closer look at Guyana’s pattern of trade with the Kingdom of The Netherlands, one of the country’s main markets within the Europe Union.

The Market Insight delves further into the market of The Netherlands, ultimately with the objective of understanding the opportunities available to the Guyanese private sector for investment and increased trade with The Netherlands. As such, we examine the economic structure and performance of the economy, the business climate and key market entry factors for consideration, among other areas.

The feature on The Netherlands emanates from the fact that the magazine chose to focus on the CARIFORUM- EU Economic Partnership Agreement and Guyana’s relations with the European Union.

Our export success story, Amazon Caribbean, has been a consistent exporter to one of the leading markets in the European Union.

As part of ‘Tip for Business Development’ in Guyana, we look at how to leverage global value chains in order to improve and diversify Guyana’s participation in global markets and consequently, its overall economic performance.

Within the CSME, we take a close look at the categories that have been approved for free movement by Member States, along with the mechanisms that have been adopted to facilitate travel.

Under services a snapshot is given of the work being undertaken to resuscitate the Guyana Coalition of Services Providers, as a key consultative mechanism to engage the services industry on trade-related matters. Specifically, as it relates to the creative industry, we feature Sajid Husani, who has been taking Guyana’s culture further afield through photography.

Dianna DaSilva-Glasgow (PhD) Director Department of Foreign Trade Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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MESSAGES MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Guyana’s trade policy remains an important element of achieving its wider development goals, particularly in the context of the Green State Development Strategy.

Guyana is party to at least twenty agreements that address trade and investment matters. For trade to deliver its promised development impacts, we must be able to take full advantage of what is offered in the agreements. Our domestic policies are a critical consideration in this regard.

The policy environment is essential to boosting our productive capacity and allowing us to be able to move up global value chains.

Another factor that would allow us to be able to fully capitalize on the preferential market access offered by our trade agreements, as well as the development cooperation provisions for capacity building, is information. Dr. the Hon. Karen Cummings Information is an important bridge to realizing tangible Minister of Foreign Affairs gains from our agreements. T.S. Eliot asked two thoughtprovoking questions, “Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?”

This magazine is a step towards bridging the information gaps that may exist with the private sector regarding the benefits to be gained under each trade agreement. It will also assist in providing lucidity for any information asymmetry that may exist among potential foreign investors and the trade and investments policy framework of the country.

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CONTENTS GUYANA’S TRADE PATTERNS ............................................................................................................ 6 Trade with the Kingdom of The Netherlands.......................................................................................... 9 IN THE NEWS!......................................................................................................................................... 14 FEATURED TRADE AGREEMENT .................................................................................................... 19 The CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement ................................................................. 19 EXPORT MARKET INSIGHT ............................................................................................................... 27 The Kingdom of The Netherlands ......................................................................................................... 27 CSME CORNER....................................................................................................................................... 34 Free movement under the CSME .......................................................................................................... 34 INVESTING IN GUYANA ...................................................................................................................... 39 EXPORT SUCCESS STORY .................................................................................................................. 42 Amazon Caribbean Guyana Limited ..................................................................................................... 42 GUYANA IN THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM ............................................................. 45 Guyana-European Union Trade Relations in Brief ............................................................................. 45 HAPPENING IN SERVICES TRADE… ............................................................................................... 49 Resuscitating the Guyana Coalition of Services Providers .................................................................. 49 Capturing Guyana in Photography ....................................................................................................... 50 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TIP ......................................................................................................... 59 Leveraging Global Value Chains to Advance Economic Development in Guyana............................. 59

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The New Guyana Marketing Corporation Address: 87 Robb & Alexander Streets, Lacytown, Georgetown.

Telephone number: (592) 226-8255 Fax: (592) 227-4114 Email: isealey-adams@newgmc.com Website: www.newgmc.com

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GUYANA’S TRADE PATTERNS General Trade Patterns The trade data presented covers the period January to March, 2019. Guyana imported US$396,097.60 (000) worth of goods between January to March 2019; and exported US$339,166.00 (000) worth of goods, resulting in a trade deficit of US$56,931.60 (000). (See figure below).

Guyana's Trade, January to March 2019 396,097.60 400,000.00 339,166.00 350,000.00 300,000.00 250,000.00

US$000

200,000.00 150,000.00 100,000.00 50,000.00 0.00 Imports

Exports

-50,000.00

Balance of Trade -56,931.60

-100,000.00

Source: Bureau of Statistics, Guyana

The top five markets, accounted for just over 75% of Guyana’s total imports. These markets included; Trinidad and Tobago (US$117,265.20 (000), United States of America (US$92,584.00 (000), China (US$44,291.60 (000), Suriname (US$28,478.60 (000) and St. Lucia (US$15,847.20 (000). (See table below for more information).

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Guyana Imports by Market January to March, 2019 Country Value Contribution (US$'000) (%) Trinidad & Tobago 117,265.20 29.6 United States of America 92,584.00 23.4 China 44,291.60 11.2 Suriname 28,478.60 7.2 St. Lucia 15,847.20 4 Japan 13,647.40 3.4 United Kingdom 10,710.40 2.7 Kingdom of The Netherlands 10,689.30 2.7 Jamaica 8,864.20 2.2 Canada 8,518.80 2.2 Other Countries 45,200.70 11.4 Total 396,097.60 100 Source: Bureau of Statistics, Guyana

Fuel and lubricants accounted for approximately 29.6% of Guyana’s total imports during January to March 2019. US$117,230.70 worth of fuel and lubricants were imported. The top ten imported items accounted for approximately 49% of total imports for the period. Other major import items included articles of iron and steel, motor cars, articles of plastic and machinery. (See table below for more information).

SITC3 GROUP 334 672-679 781 893 723 661 642 48 782 554 Total

Guyana Major Import items, January to March, 2019 ITEM VALUE (US$’000) Fuel and Lubricants 117,230.70 Articles of Iron and Steel 15,570.70 Motor Cars 10,896.90 Articles of Plastic 9,538.60 Contractors Plant Equipment (Machinery) 8,808.50 Lime, Cement etc.

7,747.30 Articles of Paper 6,987.60 Cereal, Flour, Starch, Preparations 6,648.00 Goods and Special Purpose Motor Vehicles 6,006.50 Soap, Cleaning Preparation 5,854.50 Other Imports 200,808.30 396,097.60 Source: Bureau of Statistics, Guyana

CONTRIBUTION (%) 29.6 3.9 2.8 2.4 2.2 2 1.8 1.7 1.5 1.5 50.7 100

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Guyana’s top ten export markets accounted for some 78% of its total exports during January to March, 2019. The leading export market was Canada. 40.6% of total exports went to Canada, amounting to US$137,847.70. This is followed by the United Arab Emirates (US$33,937.30 (000), Untied States of America (US$27,156.70 (000), Belgium (US$13,797.80 (000), Ukraine (US$12,450.90 (000), United Kingdom (US$10,360.10 (000), China (US$9,785.60 (000), Germany (US$8,126.80 (000), Jamaica (US$7,069.20 (000), and Kingdom of The Netherlands (US$5,428.20 (000). (See table below for more information).

Guyana Exports by Destination Market January to March, 2019 COUNTRY VALUE CONTRIBUTION (US$'000) Canada 137,847.70 United Arab Emirates 33,937.30 United States Of America 27,156.70 Belgium 13,797.80 Ukraine 12,450.90 United Kingdom 10,360.10 China 9,785.60 Germany 8,126.80 Jamaica 7,069.20 Kingdom of the Netherlands 5,428.20 Other Countries 73,206.00 Total 339,166.00 Source: Bureau of Statistics, Guyana

(%) 40.6 10 8 4.1 3.7 3.1 2.9 2.4 2.1 1.6 21.6 100

Raw gold was the leading export item, accounting for almost 60% of total exports and generating US$202,999.10 worth of foreign exchange. This is followed by rice and paddy that accounted for 13.6% of total exports of US$41,750.20. Other leading export products were bauxite (US$29,159.10 (000), fish and by products (US$10,531.00 (000), shrimp and prawns (US$9,759.40 (000), timber (US$8,844.70 (000), prepared foods (US$7,880.00 (000), bottled rum and spirits (US$6,470.80 (000), sugar (US$6,028.70 (000) and diamonds (US$3,881.70 (000).

(See table below for more information).

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Guyana Major Export items, January to March, 2019 Item Value Contribution (US$'000) (%) Raw Gold 202,999.10 59.9 Rice & Paddy 41,750.20 13.6 Bauxite 29,159.10 8.6 Fish & By Product 10,531.00 3.1 Shrimp & Prawns 9,759.40 2.9 Timber 8,344.70 2.5 Prepared Foods 7,880.00 2.3 Bottled Rum & Spirits 6,470.80 1.9 Sugar 6,028.70 1.8 Diamonds 3,881.70 1.1 Re-Exports 833 0.2 Other Exports 11,528.10 3.4 Total 339,166.00 100 Source: Bureau of Statistics, Guyana

Trade with the Kingdom of The Netherlands The Kingdom of The Netherlands is among Guyana’s top ten export markets. Guyana saw a moderate increase in its exports in 2018 compared to previous years. In 2015 for instance, exports were equivalent to US$9,046.53 (000) but increased in 2018, to US$28,317.53.

Imports followed a similar trend. Imports in 2014 were equivalent to US$33,782.82 but increased to US$56,985.18 in 2018.

There was a slight widening of the trade deficit with The Netherlands over the period 2014 to 2018. The deficit, which was US$13,421.43 in 2014 increased to US$28,667.65 in 2018. (See figure below for additional information).

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Guyana's Trade with the Netherlands 2014-2018 (US$000) 70,000.00 60,000.00 50,000.00

Value (US'000)

40,000.00 30,000.00 20,000.00 10,000.00 0.00 -10,000.00 -20,000.00 -30,000.00 -40,000.00 Exports

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

20,361.38

9,046.53

11,566.34

11,045.22

28,317.53

Imports

33,782.82

29,717.89

25,600.91

31,061.48

56,985.18

Trade Balance

-13,421.43

-20,671.36

-14,034.58

-20,016.25

-28,667.65

98.33

3.30

538.89

57.80

112.29

Re-Exports

Source: United Nations Commodity (UNCOMTRADE) Trade Statistics

Over the period 2014 to 2018, ten products accounted for 98% of Guyana’s total exports to The Netherlands. These included: alcohol of tariff heading 2208 (US$26,438.73 (000), rice (US$24,452.02 (000), Crustaceans (US$19,440.85 (000), wood (US$3,515.33 (000), aluminum ores (US2,584.15 (000), hoopwood (US$758.95 (000), frozen fish (US$465.73 (000), fresh fish (US$370.50 (000), and parts of tariff heading 8409 (US$345.37 (000). (See table below for more information).

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Guyana’s Top 10 Exports to The Netherlands 2014-2018 Products

Value (US’000) 26,438.73

2208 Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 % vol…

1006 Rice.

24,452.02 0306 Crustaceans…

19,440.85 4407 Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise…

3,515.33 2606 Aluminium ores and concentrates.

2,584.15 4404 Hoopwood; split poles; piles, pickets and stakes of 758.95 wood…

8609 Containers (including containers for the transport of 746.87 fluids) …

0303 Fish, frozen, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of 465.73 heading 03.04.

0302 Fish, fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish 370.50 meat of heading 03.04.

8409 Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the engines 345.37 of heading 84.07 or 84.08.

Total Top Exports $79,118.49 Total Top Exports as % of Total Exports 98% Source: United Nations Commodity (UNCOMTRADE) Trade Statistics

Guyana imports a wider range of commodities from The Netherlands compared to what it exports.

Over the period 2014 to 2018, Guyana’s top ten export products only accounted for about 50% of its total exports to The Netherlands. These products included: vessels (US$20,162.91 (000), potatoes (US$15,400.67 (000), animal feed preparations (US$13,463.20 (000), medicaments (US$7,515.30 (000), onions etc. (US$7,184.87 (000), engine parts (US$6,428.26 (000), milk and cream (US$6,335.92 (000), prepared of preserved vegetables (US$4,142.90 (000), articles for packing (US$4,070.13 (000) and petroleum oil (US$3,824.40 (000). (See table below for more information).

8908 0701 2309 3004 0703

Guyana's Top 10 Imports from the Netherlands 2014-2018 Products Value (US’000) Vessels and other floating structures for breaking up.

20,162.91 Potatoes, fresh or chilled.

15,400.67 Preparations of a kind used in animal feeding.

13,463.20 Medicaments...

7,515.30 Onions, shallots, garlic, leeks and other alliaceous 7,184.87 vegetables..

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8409 Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the engines of heading 84.07 or 84.08.

0402 Milk and cream, concentrated or containing added sugar..

2004 Other vegetables prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar…

3923 Articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics…

2710 Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals…

Total Top Exports Total Top Exports as % of Total Exports

6,428.26 6,335.92 4,142.90 4,070.13 3,824.40 $88,528.56 50%

Source: United Nations Commodity (UNCOMTRADE) Trade Statistics

Guyanese Products with high Import Demand in The Netherlands

Rice

Crustaceans

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Guyanese Products with high Import Demand in The Netherlands

Fresh and frozen fish

Aluminium ores

Wood

Alcohol

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IN THE NEWS! CARIFORUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement Following conclusion of technical dialogue and legal scrub of the CARIFORUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement, Guyana, along with eight other CARIFORUM countries (Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Vincent and the Grenadines) signed the agreement on March 22, 2019 on the margins of the 25th Meeting of the CARIFORUM Council of Ministers. His Excellency David Hales, Guyana’s Ambassador to Belgium signed the Agreement on behalf of Guyana, while the Honourable George Hollingberry, Minister of State for Trade Policy of the Department of International Trade, signed on behalf of the United Kingdom.

The agreement is a roll-over of the CARIFORUM-EU EPA into a CARIFORUM-UK EPA to ensure that CARIFORUM’s trade with the UK is not disrupted in light of uncertainty regarding UK’s timeline and nature of exit from the EU (with or without an agreement).

This was a very important consideration for Guyana as the UK is presently Guyana’s largest market in the EU and its sixth largest export market overall. Signing the agreement, ahead of the March 29, 2019 deadline, the initial date for the UK’s official exist from the EU, signaled Guyana’s interest is ensuring that the current preferential market access of Guyanese exporters to the UK market could be maintained.

In addition to the actual agreement, CARIFORUM countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding which is meant to signal the parties’ intention to promptly ratify the Agreement.

This was another safeguard mechanism in light of uncertainties regarding the UK parliamentary process.

Noteworthy features of the Agreement are; its references to the Cotonou agreement and the decision that the fundamental principles of the Cotonou agreement will be incorporated under the CARIFORUM-UK agreement; the UK’s agreement to honour commitments made to the EU

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budget during the period of the 11th EDF; and to provide other financial support for implementation of the Agreement.

Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties Bill The Department of Foreign Trade, has drafted an Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties bill which was submitted to and approved by cabinet. The bill is meant to address the necessity for Guyana to be able to apply contingent protection measures as a safeguard against threats to local industries posed by unfair trading practices such as dumping and the use of subsidies in production by countries that export to Guyana.

The enactment of the bill will facilitate the establishment of an Anti-Dumping Authority with the capacity to investigate dumping and other related matters and to impose Anti-Dumping and Countervailing duties on goods dumped or subsidized by an exporter into Guyana.

Guyana is receiving technical assistance from the World Trade Organization for the technical review and finalization of the bill before it could be taken to parliament.

ACP Relations and the Post-Cotonou Process Negotiations for the ACP– EU Post-Cotonou agreement, which were launched in September 2018 continue. The format for negotiations vary from past ACP/EU negotiations: a foundation agreement is being negotiated which covers cooperation between the EU and all ACP regions.

The foundation agreement will be supplemented by Region-specific Protocols/Compacts between the EU and the three (3) ACP Regions: Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Negotiations for the all-ACP Foundation Agreement are advanced whilst negotiations on the regional protocols/compacts were launched in April.

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The CARIFORUM negotiating position for the Caribbean regional protocol/compact outlines the guiding principles and basis for the post-Cotonou negotiations; and the thematic and cross-cutting issues. The CARIFORUM Council of Ministers meeting in March 2019 discussed and agreed to a negotiating structure for engaging the EU on the regional protocol as well as an outline of positions to be taken and met with the European Commissioner for International Development and Cooperation, Neven Mimica, on April 14, 2019 in Jamaica.

The key issues to be covered under the Caribbean regional protocol/compact includes regional cooperation and integration; inclusive sustainable economic development; environmental sustainability, climate change and sustainable management of natural resources; human rights, peace and social cohesion; migration and mobility and; support for Haiti.

Presently, Guyana and Jamaica represent the Caribbean on the ACP’s Central Negotiating Group.

Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Carl Greenidge and Ambassador to Brussels, H.E. Dr. David Hales have also been appointed to lead the Region’s negotiation for a CARIFORUM-EU Regional protocol/compact at the technical and ministerial levels.

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Quick fact!

The African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) is an organization created by an agreement signed in Georgetown, Guyana in 1975. It includes 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific and States, with all of them, save Cuba, signatories to the Cotonou Agreement signed in 2000, also known as the “ACP-EC Partnership Agreement” which binds them to the European Union. There are 48 countries from Sub-Saharan Africa, 16 from the Caribbean and 15 from the Pacific.

The ACP Group’s main objectives are:  

 

Sustainable development of its Member States and their gradual integration into the global economy, Coordination of the activities of the ACP Group in the framework of the implementation of ACP-EC partnership Agreements, Consolidation of unity and solidarity among ACP States, as well as understanding among their peoples Establishment and consolidation of peace and stability in a free and democratic society

The current ACP Secretary General is Dr. Patrick I. Gomes, a Guyanese national and former Diplomat.

Source: www.acp.int

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Authentic Guyanese Lemonade!

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FEATURED TRADE AGREEMENT The CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement The Economic Partnership Agreement was signed on October 15, 2008 between the 28 members of the European Union and the members of CARIFORUM (Antigua and Barbuda; Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Dominica; the Dominican Republic; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; St. Kitts and Nevis; St. Lucia; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Suriname; Trinidad and Tobago).

European Union- CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Status: Active Signed: 20 October 2008 In force: 1 November, 2008 Agreement type: Trade in goods and services and Development Country grouping: CARICOM, Dominican Republic and European Union

Guyana signed the agreement on 20 October 2008 and it came into force on November 1, 2008.

The agreement has six parts; (1) trade partnership for sustainable development; (2) trade and traderelated matters; (3) dispute avoidance and settlement; (4) general exceptions; (5) institutional provisions; and (6) general and final provisions.

The agreement builds on the Cotonou agreement and previous partnership agreements between the ACP and the EU and so addresses economic and trade cooperation matters (Article 2).

Part 2, which deals with trade and traderelated matters is quite comprehensive addressing trade in goods, customs duties, trade defence instruments, nontariff measures, customs and trade facilitation, agriculture and fisheries, technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, investment, trade in services and E-Commerce.

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Because the agreement is WTO compliant, the market access provisions are based on the WTO principles of National Treatment and Most Favoured Nation.

As it pertains to trade in goods, the EU committed to liberalizing 75.1% of its tariff lines on imports from CARIFORUM countries following the agreement entering into force and increasing this to 99.8% at the end of 2010. CARIFORUM countries agreed to liberalise 61.1% of its imports from the EU over a 10-year period; 82.7% over a 15-year period (84.7 % of tariff lines) and 86.9 % over 25 years (90.2 % of tariff lines). The latter period pertains mainly to agricultural products, fishery products, beverages, among others, that are considered sensitive products to CARIFORUM countries. In addition to long phase in periods, some sensitive products also benefit from exclusions.

The agreement provides disciplines for rules of origin. Under article 2 of Protocol 1, origin is defined as; (a) wholly obtained; or (b) non-originating materials incorporated into a product that has undergone sufficient working or processing in the parties, according to specific requirements, typically a change in tariff classification.

Specific provisions for cumulation are indicated for products listed in Annex X to Protocol 1 which include: cane or beet sugar, sugar confectionery, cocoa powder, food preparations containing cocoa, food preparations of flour, preparations with a basis of coffee or tea, flavoured or coloured sugar syrups, and preparations based on odoriferous substances. This provision was applied after 1 October 2015. For rice, however, cumulation provisions have been in place since 1 January 2010.

As it relates to export duties and charges, and quantitative restrictions, the parties agree not to apply customs duties and charges or any form of prohibition on exports of originating goods of either CARIFORUM or the EU. Guyana, however, was allowed a three-year period, following signing of the agreement to eliminate export duties and charges on bauxite (2606), unrefined cane sugar (1701), greenheart (4407 and 4403), aquarium fish (0301), and molasses (1703).

With respect to technical barriers to trade and sanitary and phytosanitary measures, the parties reaffirm their rights and obligations under the WTO. In addition, they commit to eliminating barriers associated with these regulations as well as building capacity in order to minimize trade disruptions.

As it relates to safeguard mechanisms, the parties also reaffirm their right to adopt safeguard measures in accordance with Article XIX of GATT 1994.

Under Article XXV parties can adopt bilateral safeguard measures to prevent or remedy the serious injury or disruption that may be caused by (a) like or directly competitive products; (b) sectoral disturbances that produce major social problems or economic difficulties; or (c) disruption in the market for similar or competitive agricultural products markets or of mechanisms that regulate

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those markets. Bilateral safeguard measures are limited to a period of two years, renewable for a further period of two years.

Under paragraph 5(b) of Article 25 there is also scope for infant industry protection in CARIFORUM states, which is applicable for a period of up to 10 years from the date the agreement was entered into force, with no possibility of extension. The safeguard mechanism can also be used to ensure access to food and other essential products.

Under Article 23 the agreement also permits the signatories to individually or collectively adopt Anti-Dumping and countervailing measures in accordance WTO rules.

The agreement does not prohibit exclusive payment of subsidies to national producers (Article 27).

However, the parties are prohibited from introducing new or increasing existing subsidies on agricultural products.

Parties agree to promote customs and administrative cooperation (Article 30); draw upon international instruments and standards applicable in the field of customs and trade, such as the HS Convention (Article 31); and to simplify the procedures to ensure that there is rapid release and clearance of goods (Article 33). The customs procedures related to rules of origin are detailed in Articles 16-30 of Protocol I and Protocol II. Protocol II of the Agreement on mutual administrative assistance in customs matters, obliges the Parties to provide mutual assistance, either upon request or at their own initiative.

Special provisions are made agriculture and fisheries, and sugar. Chapter 5 on agriculture and fisheries allows the parties to take appropriate action in accordance with bilateral safeguard mechanisms of the agreement to achieve food security goals (Article 40). The agreement also provides scope for the parties to exchange information and to cooperate to improve the competitiveness of the sector and to develop export marketing capabilities.

The agreement liberalized the EU sugar markets. The EU was also allowed scope to increase duties on sugar of tariff heading 1701 from 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2015 up to the MFN rate for imports into its market in excess of the following levels: 3.5 million tonnes in a marketing year for such products originating in all ACP States that are signatories to the Cotonou Agreement (LDC and non-LDC); and 1.38 million tonnes in marketing year 2009/2010 for such products originating in non LDC ACP countries. Such quota increased to 1.45 million tonnes in marketing year 2010/2011 and to 1.6 million tonnes in the following four marketing years.

Commencing from October 1, 2015 the EU can activate the safeguard mechanism for imports of sugar under tariff heading 1701, where the price for white sugar falls below 80% of the average EU market price for two consecutive months during the previous marketing year (Article 6 of Annex II).

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With respect to Trade in Services and Investment, market access provisions are contained in Articles 60-84. These deal with commercial presence and cross-border supply of services for services listed in the schedule of commitments under Annex IV. All schedules in Annex IV are based on a positive-list approach, meaning that only the sectors listed are the subject of commitments.

The articles require that parties grant to “commercial presences and investors� and services and services suppliers, treatment no less favourable than that granted to their own like investors and services and services suppliers. This is the national treatment principle. Articles 70 and 79 specially address the MFN clause.

With respect to the movement of natural persons, the agreement provides for the movement of: key personnel comprising business visitors (BV) and intra-corporate transfers (ICTs) (managers and specialists); graduate trainees; business services sellers; contractual services suppliers (CSS); independent professionals (IP) and short term visitors for business purposes (Article 80). However, specific conditions are stipulated for the movement of these persons.

Services liberalization commitments of the EU The commitments of the EU vis-Ă -vis trade in services, are summarized for each sector below: -

-

-

EU members have scheduled a limitation on the acquisition of land and real estate by foreign investors.

For business services, commitments to liberalize were made across all modes. However, commercial presence is subject to an economic needs test in many EU member states; national requirements also apply in some sub-sectors.

For telecommunication services, for modes 1-3, the EU Member States maintain no limitations for postal and courier services, except for a licensing system in areas where a universal service obligation exists.

Construction services are fully liberalized for modes 1-3 and for all EU Member States.

For distribution services, there are restrictions on the distribution of tobacco and alcoholic beverages in some markets.

Educational services are limited to private services.

For environmental services, only modes 2 and 3 are liberalized for all sub-sectors.

For financial services, for most countries, market access restrictions are stipulated for modes 1 and 2 for direct insurance, except maritime shipping and commercial aviation and space launching and freight and goods in international transit. No commitments were made for direct insurance intermediation; banking and financial services (mode 1) for the majority of EU member states; while reservations related to residency, nationality and incorporation requirements have been listed for mode 3 for banking and other financial services.

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-

-

-

-

-

For health and social services, all EU member states have liberalized mode 2 for hospital services and residential health facilities other than hospital services. For social services only Belgium did not give full commitments is mode 2. For mode 3 there is a blanket restriction limiting the participation of private operators in the health and social network subject to a concession. Economic needs tests may also apply.

For tourism and related services, no commitments were made for hotels, restaurants and catering under mode 1 and tourist guide services in mode 1 for some countries. However, modes 1-3 were liberalized for travel agencies and tour operators and modes 2-3 for tourist guide services.

Under recreational, cultural and sporting services, mode 3 is unbound for libraries, archives, museums and other cultural services and sporting and other recreational services.

For maritime transport services, subject to authorization, the majority of EU member states bind feeder services for international passenger and freight transportation in modes 1 to 3.

However, for auxiliary maritime transport services, full commitments are made in modes 2 for all sub-sectors; for maritime agency services, maritime freight forwarding services and supporting services for mode 1; and all sub-sectors except maritime cargo handling, customs clearance services, pushing and towing services, supporting services and other auxiliary services for mode 3.

For passenger and freight transportation for rail transport, full commitments are made in modes 2 and 3; while full commitments are made in modes 1 to 3 for all auxiliary services to rail transport.

For passenger and freight transportation for road transportation full commitments are made in modes 2 and subject to a number of reservations in mode 3. Further, full commitments are made in modes 1 and 2 for such auxiliary services as; catering services, storage and warehouse services and freight transport agency services.

Services liberalization commitments of Guyana Guyana made commitments for 11 sector groups of the Services Sectoral Classification List including; construction, distribution, educational, health, and recreational services, other environmental services (noise abatement and pollution control services), tourism services (hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and tour operators, excluding tourist guides). These are made generally without restrictions in modes 1 to 3. Some of these are summarized below: -

-

For business services, Guyana has made full commitments for legal, accounting, architecture and engineering and some medical and dental services. It also made commitments for computer services, research and development and rental/leasing without operators, and some categories of other business services without limitation for modes 1 to 3. Only for real estate services were commitments not made.

For communication, Guyana made commitments for courier services, telecommunication services including: voice telephone services; value-added services such as e-mail, voice mail, electronic data exchange, on-line information and/or data processing and other

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-

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telecommunications services, including terrestrial based mobile services, internet access services, EDI, and fixed satellite services. However, for voice telephone services, Guyana’s commitment only applies to non-public use.

For financial services, commitments are made for insurance and the following banking and other financial services; acceptance of deposits, lending of all types, financial leasing, payment and money transmission, advisory/auxiliary services, and provision/transfer of financial information and financial data processing.

In transport, Guyana has made commitments for all sub-sectors. The only exception is space and pipeline transport.

Other matters affecting trade The agreement contains disciplines on other areas affecting trade in goods, services and investment. These include: -

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A number of disciplines related to development cooperation for the purpose of supporting sustainable development, improving the trade policy capacity of CARIFORUM states, among other considerations (Article 1); support for adjustment of the agriculture sector; support for implementation of the commitments related to intellectual property rights (Article 164) A commitment to transparency of laws, regulations, and procedures related to trade (Article 235).

A commitment to facilitate free movement of capital and payments, including repatriation (Article 124) General exceptions related to security concerns (Article 224) Parties may adopt measures to prevent tax evasion (Article 226) Article 227 establishes a Joint CARIFORUM-EU Council that is responsible for implementing the agreement and Article 231 establishes a CARIFORUM-EU Parliamentary Committee; and a Joint CARIFORUM-EU Consultative Committee (Article 232).

The Agreement provides for the settlement of disputes through consultation, mediation, or arbitration. If these are not successful, then a request may be made for an arbitration panel to be established (Article 215-216) or the matter may be referred to the WTO Dispute Settlement Body.

Commitment to cooperate to strengthen tax administration (Article 22) Commitment to transparent procurement and national treatment in procurement. Chapter 3 of Title IV of the Agreement (Articles 165-182) establishes the regulatory framework for government procurement to ensure transparent and competitive tendering given its importance to economic development.

The parties committed to implementing their international obligations that relate to intellectual property rights including complying with the World Intellectual Property

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Organization (WIPO) 1996 Copyright Treaty, and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (1996). The CARIFORUM parties also agreed to accede to the Rome Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organizations (1961). Articles 133-138 contain provisions on supporting competitiveness through innovation. Noteworthy is that, Article 139 indicates that IPR enforcement should take account of the development needs of CARIFORUM States.

On the matter of geographical indications (GIs), CARIFORUM states agreed to establish a system of protection of GIs by January 1, 2014 and within six months of the agreement entering into force to submit a list of prospective GIs for discussion. Member States of CARIFORUM also agreed to endeavour to accede to the Hague Agreement for the International Registration of Industrial Designs (1999), the Patent Cooperation Treaty (1970) and the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure (1977, amended in 1980), the Patent Law Treaty (2000).

As it relates to anti-competitive business practices, the agreement address issues related to: cooperation and coordination vis-Ă -vis the exchange of information and enforcement cooperation (Article 128-130); designating public enterprises to address competition matters; having laws in place within five years of the agreement coming into force (Article 127); and removing state monopolies.

Article 240 allows for the adoption or maintenance of restrictive measures on trade in goods, services and establishment if there are serious balance of payments and external financial difficulties that necessitate this.

Articles 72 and 73 address the use of core labor standards and environmental standards.

The parties commit to ensuring that their investors comply with environmental and core labour standards; and that these are not used as the basis to attract foreign direct investment by lowering such standards.

Protocol III address cultural cooperation, including in the audiovisual sector. Under protocol III, the parities to facilitate the exchange of cultural cooperation, including allowing the entry and temporary stay of artists and other cultural professional for up to a period of 90 days. The EU also commits to providing technical assistance to CARIFORUM States to assist with the development of cultural industries.

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Products from the Hinterland Regions of Guyana!

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EXPORT MARKET INSIGHT The Kingdom of The Netherlands Economic Structure and Performance Netherlands is physically small (42,508 km²) but is the fourth most densely populated country in the world owing to its relatively large population (17.08 million). It is the 9th largest economy in the European Union and the 17th largest economy in the world, based on GDP. According to the International Monetary Fund, Netherlands had a GDP of US$909.887 billion in 2018 and a per capita GDP of US$55,041. Its GDP per capita places it as the 6th largest economy in the European Union.

Growth in the Netherlands has been fairly stable over the past years. Its 10-year annual average growth was approximately 0.9% according to the World Economic Forum. The IMF further projects that the country will achieve growth of 1.8% in 2019 and 1.5% for 2020.

More than 70 percent of the Netherlands’ GDP is generated by foreign trade in goods and services.

70.2% of the country’s GDP comes from services including banking, technology, trade, shipping; 17.9% from industry; and 1.6% from agriculture.

The largest industrial sector is foodstuffs, with chemicals, metallurgy, machinery, electrical goods also being major industries.

Both within the EU and the world, the Netherlands is one of the leading exporters of food and agricultural products, due mainly to its highly mechanized agricultural sector, innovative agri-food technology, favorable geographic location in the heart of Europe, mild climate, and flat fertile soils.

Climate for Doing Business The Netherlands is apparently a favourable country to do business with. It is consistently ranked among the top countries in the industrialized world with the most favorable business and investment climates. In the 2018 World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Competitiveness Index, The Netherlands is ranked as the 6th most competitive economy globally. It also ranks 3rd to 4th with respect to institutions, infrastructure, and business dynamism.

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Owing to the quality of its higher education system, which ranks third in the world, its labour laws, IT infrastructure and a Highly Skilled Migrant Visa program that allows for the importation of skilled foreign workers, The Netherlands has been able to develop a business culture that embraces professionalism, flexibility, punctuality, efficiency and productivity.

According to ‘Export Guide for The Netherlands’, produced by UK-based company KInternational, Dutch companies are also regarded as having a reputation for honesty. The country ranked 8th in the world in the 2018 Transparency International Corruptions Perception Index.

“Bribery and corruption have no place in the Dutch business environment. Even gift-giving is uncommon. They therefore value highly, mutual trust and friendship.” (Ibid).

The Netherlands is a part of the European Union (EU) and therefore participates in the EU single market and economy. In 2002 it replaced the Dutch guilder with the euro as its currency. Its legislative framework and policies are also guided by EU policies.

Opportunities for Guyanese Exporters As one of the world’s largest economies and a country with which Guyana already shares strong trade ties, the Netherlands is a favorable market for continued exports from Guyana. It is one of the most highly open and competitive economies in the world. The Netherlands ranked second in the 2018 Global Innovation Index and second in the 2016 World Economic Forum Global Enabling Trade Report.

The fact that The Netherlands is one of the most open economies in the world, it is a good testing ground for new products (U.S. Commercial Service). In fact, research of the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce divulge that the Netherlands has an ‘innovative business community that is hungry for new high-quality products’.

The Netherlands also has a strategic location and strong distribution and logistics networks into the rest of Europe, making the country an ideal market for companies that are new to exporting and seeking to enter other European markets (U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce).

There is also scope for e-commerce in the Netherlands for both Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Consumer (B2C) transactions. The country has a high internet connectivity, with 99% of all households being connected to the internet. The country therefore has the highest broadband penetration per capita in the world and the fastest average broadband speeds globally.

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Also noteworthy is the EU legislation, Directive2011/7/EU which speaks to the consequences of late payment in a bid to minimize payment delays associated with commercial transactions within the EU, at both the public and private level.

Market Entry Factors for Consideration For entrepreneurs desirous of entering The Netherlands’ market, either as an exporter or to set up a business enterprise, the following factors would be useful to take note of: 

While The Netherlands is largely a Dutch speaking country, the capital city of Amsterdam also recognizes English as an official language. It is therefore possible to conduct business in English. In addition, however, it is possible to obtain translation services if needed.

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Determine what strategy you want to use to enter the market either; using an importer or distributor, agent or commission agent, setting up a branch or exporting directly. According to research by the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce, “The Netherlands has a variety of experienced importers, sales agents, and distributors who are well-versed in international trade. A large portion of the goods are handled by distributors who purchase for their own account and distribute throughout the country and Europe. Due to the size, accessibility, and competitive nature of the Dutch market, distributors usually insist on an exclusive distributorship. If the distributor is a well-qualified and experienced firm, an exclusive distributorship often yields the best results.”

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The Netherlands is a small and well-developed market so personal acquaintances are important (U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce). Therefore, potential exporters/investors should consider in-person visits to get acquainted with possible distributors or business partners.

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Seek professional legal advice regarding any arrangement to be made with a local company.

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Joint ventures and licensing agreements are common in The Netherlands. However, the structuring of a joint venture is a complicated process and normally requires a specialized advisor. (U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce).

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The Netherlands Enterprise Agency can provide support with national and international partnerships and networks for potential exporters.

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The legislative framework of The Netherlands allows for foreign companies to open offices in The Netherlands, with no differentiation between local and foreign-owned companies.

Support can be sought from the Dutch Chamber of Commerce if there is interest in setting up an office in The Netherlands.

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Complying with standards and technical regulations is critical. As a member of the EU, the Netherlands applies the EU’s product standards and certification approval processes, including requirements for labeling and packaging. The Treaty of Rome requires all EU members to incorporate approved EU directives into national laws. To establish common standards for all member countries, the EU regulates key product areas to protect the health and safety of consumers, as well as the environment. There are approximately 6,000 EU standards that the Netherlands subscribes to, in addition to about 2,000 Dutch national standards and 9,000 international standards. The international quality standard ISO 9000 is also widely used.

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Trademarks, designs, patents and copyright are the principal forms of Intellectual Property (IP) protection available to companies and individuals. The Netherlands Patents Office is responsible for IP in The Netherlands.

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A Value-added tax (VAT) is charged on the sale of goods and services within The Netherlands. VAT is levied at the same rate for imports as for domestic products or transactions. The usual rate is 21%. A reduced rate of 6% applies to: food, water, art, medical aid, agricultural products. The basis on which VAT is charged on imports is the C.I.F. value at the port of entry, plus any duty, excise taxes, levies, or other charges (excluding the VAT) collected by Dutch Customs at the time of importation. Dutch importers are liable for payment of customs duties, VAT, and any other charges at the time of clearing the goods through customs. Temporary imports that will be re-exported are not subject to the VAT. An importer may have to post a temporary bond for customs duties and taxes, but this is canceled when the goods are taken out of the country.

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Tariff duties charged on Guyanese products are those as reflected in the schedule of the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, which can be obtained from the Guyana Revenue Authority. Average Ad valorem duty rates on agriculture goods from Guyana to the European Union, generally ranges 0 percent and are usually based on the C.I.F. value of the goods at the port of entry.

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With respect to import documentation, shipments to The Netherlands require one copy of the bill of lading (or air waybill) and the commercial invoice for customs clearance.

Certificates of origin may be required for a small number of goods. Whether a certificate

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of origin is required should be ascertained directly from the importer or the appropriate customs authority. (U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce). 

The Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) helps entrepreneurs from developing countries introduce their products and services into the European market.

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Launching products in The Netherlands’ market requires vigorous and sustained promotion, as it takes time for consumers to change their buying habits. Trade fairs and exhibitions are common and effective promotion tools in The Netherlands and should therefore be strongly considered by potential exporters/ investors.

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Dutch consumers expect well-designed, high-quality products, with efficient after-sales service. However, price is regarded as the most important element for market entry. (U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce).

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“The most common methods of payment for trade and project financing are:   

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Open Account: The exporter sends an invoice to the importer and trusts them to pay as instructed. This is the most common method of payment in the Netherlands.

Payment on Delivery: This method is also quite common where payment is made 30, 60, or 90 days from the date of the invoice.

Documentary Collections: The exporter, upon shipment, presents the relevant documents to his or her bank. This bank then sends the documents to the importer's bank, which contacts the importer. In order to receive the documents representing the goods, the importer initiates payment. Both parties are assured of the other's performance under satisfactory terms.

Letters of Credit: The exporter is paid for the goods shipped or services rendered only upon presenting documents that have been pre-described in a Letter of Credit. Upon issuing a Letter of Credit, the importer's bank acts as guarantor for payment.

Bank Guarantees: A bank guarantee (also known as a bond) obligates the bank to pay a sum of money if the applicant fails to fulfill his/her obligations. The beneficiary may claim the guarantee by presenting copies of unpaid invoices and or other documents relating to the transaction. There are many kinds of guarantees including advance payment guarantees, performance bonds, or maintenance bonds.”

(U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce).

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Distribution Networks The Netherlands has advanced infrastructure for the transportation of goods and occupies a highly strategic commercial location in the EU market, with logistics and distribution networks that are well-connected to the rest of Europe. Amsterdam, the capital is a major center of international commerce. The core distribution network includes the port of Rotterdam and Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, the fourth largest airport in Europe. The port of Rotterdam is home to Europe’s most important logistics hub. It is Europe’s largest port by volume with approximately 450 million tonnes of cargo passing through the port annually (‘Export Guide for the Netherlands’).

Barriers to Trade and Investment The following factors could potentially act as barriers to trade and investment in the Netherlands:  

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Given that The Netherlands is highly open, it means that it would also be a very competitive market, with competition from both domestic and international companies.

According to research from the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce, The Netherlands has a complex business culture in which companies, trade unions, government bodies, and industry associations engage in constant and close consultations.

Because of the size, accessibility, and competitive nature of the Dutch market, local importers usually insist on an exclusive distributorship (U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce).

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Guyanese Breakfast Cereal and Porridges!

The New Guyana Marketing Corporation Address: 87 Robb & Alexander Streets, Lacytown, Georgetown.

Telephone number: (592) 226-8255 Fax: (592) 227-4114 Email: isealey-adams@newgmc.com Website: www.newgmc.com

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CSME CORNER Free movement under the CSME The CARICOM Single Market and Economy was established as the mechanism to achieve economic integration. The Single Market element is phase 1 of the CSME, which seeks to promote free movement of goods, services, capital, people and guarantee rights of establishment. The ultimate aim of promoting free movement of factors is to create an enlarged market within the region that can stimulate growth and support the attainment of international competitiveness.

Of the fifteen Member States of the Caribbean Community, thirteen (13) presently participate in the CSME: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

For the purpose of work, these thirteen Member States have agreed on twelve Categories of CARICOM nationals can Move Freely to Work without the need for a work permit and be granted indefinite stay once the national possesses a CSME Skills Certificate. These are: 1. University Graduates 2. Artistes 3. Musicians 4. Sportspersons 5. Media Workers 6. Nurses 7. Teachers 8. Artisans with Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ); 9. Holders of Associate Degrees or Comparable Qualification; 10. Household Domestics with a Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) or equivalent qualification; 11. Agricultural Workers 12. Security Guards.

Member States have also agreed on a number of steps to ensure that travel within the community is hassle-free and that CARICOM Nationals are: treated in a manner similar to the way nationals of the receiving Member States are treated; and at minimum, in a manner equal to or better than how foreigners are treated.

The following measures have been adopted by Member States to enable hassle-free travel of all CARICOM nationals within the community:

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No visas required;

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Immigration Lines designated for CARICOM Nationals, Citizens, Residents;

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A CARICOM passport issued by each Member State;

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All CARICOM nationals have the right to enter a Member State and be given an automatic stay of six (6) months.

However, these rights are not absolute. A Member State can refuse entry of a Guyanese: 

if the national presents a genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat to national security, public morals, public safety and security; or

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to prevent a national from becoming a charge on the public funds.

A Guyanese who is a CARICOM National can report on any instances where he/she may have experienced difficulties in the exercise of their rights under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy either on (i) arrival, (ii) in-transit, (iii) departure or (iv) once in the country; by activating the CARICOM Complaints Procedure.

A Guyanese National wishing to make a complaint can: 1. Fill out the Complaints Form made available at: https://www.minfor.gov.gy or at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the Eugene F. Correira International Airport and the Moleson Creek Port. The form can be completed in hard copy or electronically.

2. The completed form must be returned (in person/by mail/ electronically) to the CSME Focal Point of the receiving country or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Guyana within five (5) working days of the date of the incident and must be copied to the CSME Focal Point of the other country concerned.

The CSME Focal Point for Guyana can be contacted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on telephone no 226-1606, ext. 299 or email: csmefocal@minfor.gov.gy.

3. The person(s) filing the complaint will be contacted in the event that additional information is needed to commence the investigation or during the investigation.

4. If at the end of the investigation, the CSME Focal has determined that the individual’s rights were infringed, the relevant member state will be informed so that corrective actions could undertaken.

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5. The investigation shall be completed no later than eight weeks after the date of receipt of the complaint.

Apart from the Complaints procedure, an individual can also seek judicial review for a decision under any of the free movement regimes and it is advised that the judicial review should be prompt.

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Fun learning about the Caribbean Community

Walk the children through the maze and take note of the major developments in the integration process in CARICOM

1958 West Indies Federation

1962 Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA)

1973 Treaty of Chaguaramas

2018 St. Anne’s Declaration

1989 Grande Anse Declaration

2001 Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas

2019 Integration continues‌

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Indigenous Guyanese Herbal Soaps from the Guyana Craft Producers Association

Guyana Craft Producers Association Inc. Patricia Helwig Telephone: 592-645 7758 / 227-0646 / 500-4847 Email: patricia_helwig@yahoo.com

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INVESTING IN GUYANA If you are interested in investing in Guyana, then a key agency to become acquainted with is the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest).

Go-Invest is the key agency responsible for supporting investment in Guyana. The agency has three primary functions in this regard: (1) investment promotion and facilitation; (2) export promotion and (3) policy advocacy.

Investment Promotion & Facilitation GOInvest

Export Promotion

Policy Advocacy

Key roles of the Guyana Office for Investment

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Go-Invest is there to facilitate the smooth entrance of foreign investors into the Guyanese market by providing a range of services including; obtaining land for commercial and industrial enterprises, providing guidance for securing fiscal incentives, facilitating joint ventures with local and foreign investors, facilitating contact with relevant agencies for the establishment of new business enterprises, support for obtaining work permits/ visas, facilitating inward/outward missions, export assistance and generally providing technical and other advise.

Services Offered by Go-Invest

Local Investors

Land

Fiscal Incentives

Export Assistance

Foreign Investors

Work Permit/ VISA

Inward/ Outward Mission Facilitation

Technical & Other Advise

For additional information on investing in Guyana contact the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) Address: 190 Camp & Church Streets, Georgetown, Guyana, South America.

Tel: +592-225-0658, 227-0653, +592 225 0655 Email: goinvest@goinvest.gov.gy Website: http://goinvest.gov.gy Opening hours: 08:00 am - 16:30 pm (Monday – Thursday) 08:00 am - 15:30 pm (Friday)

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Experience authentic Guyanese gold from jewelers such as King’s Jewellery World

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EXPORT SUCCESS STORY Amazon Caribbean Guyana Limited The Amazonian rainforest is well known for its exotic flora and fauna, the bounties of nature and a harmonious balance between human existence and nature. These are the attributes the local company, Amazon Caribbean Guyana Limited (AMCAR), seeks to represent in its products. For over 30 years, AMCAR has delivered to their customers the essence of the Amazonian rainforest of Guyana by producing nutritious products of the highest quality that are harvested in the most sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

In fact, AMCAR was born out of a need to create economic opportunities for the local indigenous communities that would capitalise on their traditional agricultural practices and respect for the environment. This company was first established in the North West District in Region One (BarimaWaini) in 1987, and now rest in the capable hands of Christophe Sureau Jnr. Over the years, management of AMCAR has held onto the values of sustainability and partnership, values which have influenced their business model. Their products are harvested, processed and packaged in Guyana’s hinterland, primarily in the North West District – Region One where a factory is located and a second factory up the Berbice River.

The flagship product of AMCAR is the organic Heart of Palm, which carries the botanical name Euterpe Oleracea (EO). Marketed under ‘Acai Palmito’, it comes from the Acai Palm tree which is indigenous to the Amazonian rainforest. This product is very popular in Europe for its health benefits and wide variety of methods by which it can be prepared. Acai Palmito is especially popular among the health conscious since it is low in calories, has no cholesterol, gluten, fat or sugar but a good source of potassium, copper, Vitamin B6, and zinc.

Coming from the same Açaí Palm tree is the Acai berry which is its fruit. This fruit is transformed into a delicious pulp and marketed as ‘Açaí berrie’. Demand for this fruit has been on a constant increase in the global market since it’s been found to be an abundant source of the compound

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‘antioxidant anthocyanin’ which fights age-related brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Its chemical properties also promote heart health and help protect against cancer.

In 2016, the company announced that it was investing USD$2 million in developing a 500-acre organic farm for açaí and pineapples, mangoes, watermelons and papaws which will be processed for export in the Berbice region. These mixed fruits are processed and bottled primarily for the North American and European markets. Annually, they export over 70 containers and the numbers are expected to grow.

Important to the brand and marketing of this company is ensuring their products are of the highest quality, thus they have been certified since 1997 by United States Department of Agriculture as an organic producer, are fully compliant with Kosher standards, certified by Fair For Life (Fair Trade) and the International Food Standards Organisation.

The company has recognised that as part of marketing its product internationally, it is necessary to market the country first. Thus, in their engagements with prospective customers at trade fairs around the world, a lot of their effort has been channelled into sharing the history, natural beauty and diversity of Guyana.

AMCAR is especially proud of its longstanding involvement with indigenous communities in Guyana’s hinterland. Directly they employ approximately 160 people which indirectly benefit over 500 Amerindian families. Every effort is made to ensure their factory operations are environmentally friendly and that they maintain a cordial relationship with the communities in which they operate.

Going forward, AMCAR has a positive outlook that could see further investments to increase production and access new markets. The Managing Director has expressed some optimism that the new oil and gas industry will lead to reduction in the cost of energy and therefore a lower cost of production which will be very beneficial for the company.   

Amazon Caribbean Guyana Limited Address: V1 V2 Huston, East Bank Demerara, Guyana.

Telephone: 592 226-2828; 226-5238 Fax: 592 226-9883 Email: info@amcar-guyana.com

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Afro-Guyanese head wraps from Patricia Helwig of the Guyana Craft Producers Association!

Guyana Craft Producers Association Inc. Patricia Helwig Telephone: 592-645 7758 / 227-0646 / 500-4847 Email: patricia_helwig@yahoo.com

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GUYANA IN THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM Guyana-European Union Trade Relations in Brief

Introduction Guyana through its membership of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States, has a long-standing relationship with the European Union (EU) through successive ACP-EU partnership agreements, the first of which was signed in 1975. The first Lomé Convention was heralded as a template for more equitable North/South relations. Central to this was an integrated approach to development which placed trade and economic cooperation centre stage. This included one-way trade preferences (non-reciprocal) in favour of the ACP countries, which included special treatment for Guyanese sugar, rum and rice exports.

Lloyd Gunraj Foreign Service Officer Guyana Embassy, Brussels

This focus was backed up by binding commitments which provided development finance on a multiannual basis for specific jointly agreed projects and programmes aligned with national development objectives. All of this was underpinned by a political dialogue to address issues of common concern.

While this basic framework has evolved over the years in response to new challenges and priorities, its basic structure has remained the same – a structure which allows Guyanese to determine their own development priorities and which provides predictable EU support in addressing critical challenges, such as protecting our coastline from rising sea levels.

Guyana and the ACP Group It was Guyana’s capital Georgetown, which gave its name to the founding document of the ACP Group, the Georgetown Agreement, signed on June 6, 1975. An evolving document which through various reviews has provided the basis for joint ACP action in pursuing common interests in our relationship with the EU ever since. Currently the Georgetown Agreement is again being reviewed to better equip the ACP Group to effectively engage in the international arena on growing global challenges.

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From Lomé to Cotonou to Post-Cotonou………

Over the years the conditions of the ACP-EU partnership have changed, with the trade benefits being gradually eroded by changes in EU agricultural policies (for sugar and rice), WTO challenges to the EU sugar trade arrangements - which Guyana fiercely contested, and in the case of rum through changes in EU trade policies.

While the EU has sought to provide assistance in adjusting to these changes, for both rum and sugar the hard reality is that it has been difficult to adjust.

Cotonou Partnership Agreement On trade, the June 2000 Cotonou Partnership Agreement laid the basis for a shift from one-way trade preferences to two-way (or reciprocal) trade preferences. An Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was signed in October 2008 between 14 ACP CARIFORUM countries and the EU. Haiti signed in December 2009.

Under the EPA, Guyana’s imports from the EU enter its market at lower import tariffs than products from other countries. This makes imports from the EU cheaper for Guyanese consumers but could increase competition for Guyanese producers on the Guyana and CARIFORUM markets.

Today, these reciprocal preferences are being implemented when new challenges face Guyana’s exporters in trading with the EU. With the United Kingdom taking over one third of Guyana’s total exports to the EU and 84% of our sugar exports, the departure of the UK from the EU on 29th March 2019 will complicate Guyana’s trade relationship with the EU, and give added urgency to the need to diversify our exports to EU27 markets to take full advantage of the duty free, quota free access we enjoy under the EPA. Post-Cotonou Negotiations With the ACP-EU Cotonou Partnership Agreement due to expire in February 2020, negotiations for a Post-Cotonou Partnership Agreement were launched in 2018. This is an opportunity to rejuvenate the ACP-EU relationship in a changing global context. The two sides have agreed to negotiate a single, legally binding, long-term agreement (for at least 20 years). However, it will be different, with an ACP-EU foundation and three regional protocols (EU-CARIFORUM, EUAfrica and EU-Pacific).

For Guyana and a number of other CARIFORUM countries, given the importance to date of the UK as a trade partner in the EU, it will be essential to address the major changes in Guyana’s trade relationship which the UK’s withdrawal from the EU will bring about.

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However, while EU assistance may well be needed in meeting a range of these challenges, it will be up to Guyanese businesses to lead the way in developing new non-traditional exports to EU27 markets to take advantage of the tariff preferences we enjoy.

Staff of the Guyana Embassy, Brussels

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Coconut-based Beauty Products, available through the New Guyana Marketing Corporation!

The New Guyana Marketing Corporation Address: 87 Robb & Alexander Streets, Lacytown, Georgetown.

Telephone number: (592) 226-8255 Fax: (592) 227-4114 Email: isealey-adams@newgmc.com Website: www.newgmc.com

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HAPPENING IN SERVICES TRADE… Resuscitating the Guyana Coalition of Services Providers

Guyana Coalition of Services Providers

In order to improve the capacity of the services sector to take advantage of trade opportunities, the Department of Foreign Trade is taking steps towards resuscitating the Guyana Coalition of Services Providers. Noteworthy, is the recent establishment of an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to fast track plans for the Coalition before re-convening a wider meeting of potential members.

The IMC is comprised of five agencies:  Guyana Logistics and Support Services Inc.  Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association Ltd. (GMSA)  Creative Industries Task Force (CITF)  Guyana Association of Private Security Organisations (GAPSO)  Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

GAPSO was elected to chair the Interim Committee. The IMC is tasked with suggestions revisions to the constitution and outlining a proposed work plan for the Coalition.

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Capturing Guyana in Photography Featuring Guyanese photographer and videographerSaajid Husani Saajid Husani is a well-known Guyanese photographer whose skilled use of the camera has earned him respect as a prolific photographer, both in Guyana and in markets abroad. He captures the essence of Guyanese culture through wedding photography; and the natural beauty of the country through scenes of its virgin landscape.

The Ministry of Foreign affairs sat down with Saajid to learn more about his experience in the creative industry and to ascertain areas for moving photography forward.

Below are excerpts of the conversation, as conducted by Ms. Keisha Gilkes of the Department of Public Diplomacy.

Q: Can you walk us through your first memory with the camera and your journey as a photographer?

A: Well, basically since I can remember I had the opportunity of working with cameras because both of my parents are photographers. Also, my grandfather is a photographer. So, I came into this industry pretty young. I shot my first job I would say, at a wedding when I was about maybe 12 or 13 because dad and mom they weren’t photographers per se interested in the art, it was more of a business, so they were hustling and well the kids had to play a part. And through the years I just liked it because it was always a hustle and very stressful. And while I was pursuing my degree in environmental sciences, that was when I saw local photographers, Georgetown photographers, doing it in more of an artsy fashion. I was like they are using the same cameras that my parents are using and I was like if the equipment is the same, that means I could pretty much learn the technique. If it’s a skill I can learn it, if it is just a gift well I’m screwed. So I just picked it up and tried to do what they do, emulate and I realised it was very challenging and that is what interested me, because if it was easy then what was the point?

Q: You said that your first photo shoot was at 12 at a wedding?

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A: Well that was on a hustle kind of thing. I would say that one of my very first jobs was when I was in UG. I was just putting up photos and some girls at Nations saw my photos and they wanted photos of their graduation and prom and it was two days one right after the other.

Q: Is there any specific situation that defines your experience in the wedding photography industry?

A: In the past three years, I’ve had maybe 10 to 15 weddings who changed their dates simply because they wanted me and only me to shoot their photos. One of my international weddings out of four, one of them planned it around my schedule so that I could be back for other weddings because other weddings booked me before. I had a weekend free and they booked their wedding for the Friday which is a very odd day for a wedding in the Dominican Republic so that I could be back by Saturday morning to come back and do another wedding that I was supposed to shoot.

Guyanese are realizing now the importance of photos, capturing memories. A wedding is a very luxurious event. You spend so much money on everything but, one of the most important aspects is capturing those memories which they tend to overlook. But, that is slowly fading away now and everyone is trying to make sure, after booking a date and a venue, that the next thing is booking a photographer.

Q: How did you get into videography?

A: I’m a very patriotic person, on the Guyana flag, the colours interested. I just started putting out small, small videos on Facebook and I’m not going to lie, someone came up to me and asked me if I’m doing commercials. I blatantly lied and said yes and they gave me the go-ahead to do a commercial and they did not regret it. They were pretty much surprised by what I gave them.

Q: And then you produced Poonam Singh’s video?

A: Yeah, that was the first lengthy video clip that I had ever done because usually, I would do 20 seconds or 30-second videos. Poonam came up to me, I think I had created two videos before that and she was just like I know you can do it and I gave it a shot.

Q: What was it like working on that video?

A: It was really challenging and in this industry, we don’t have a school to teach us anything. In Guyana, we don’t have a school and basically, as I was shooting I was learning. So if I didn’t know

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how to do something, if the words didn’t match her lips I had to Youtube it. It was a learning experience and I’m in this industry because it’s challenging.

Q: Do you plan to expand your career beyond photography and videography? What’s the next step for you?

A: Hopefully, next week I’m starting to teach photography. I’m trying to teach and mentor upcoming photographers because it’s something I really wanted if someone could have mentored me, so I’m trying to offer that service now to teach basic photography, I’m going to offer advanced photography and offer wedding photography and mentorship. So, they can come to me from how to get the shot, to how to work around contracts, how to plan weddings, how to shoot it, how to price…I’m trying to create a little community.

Q: What has been your experience as an entrepreneur?

A: Well, I’ve worked with one single principle. I keep loving what I do. I focus on the art and then money will follow. There was a point where I was focusing on the money and my creativity and everything else fell and I became unhappy. The money was coming in but the work was getting too stressful and I realised that I had to switch up a lot to remember why I started.

Q: Have you experienced any challenges working in Guyana i.e. intellectual property protection etc.?

A: That’s annoying and has been happening a lot for like the past year, year and a half. With art, there is no original artwork ever.

It is always being imitated or influenced or changed or something. So, there is no original photo but, it is quite annoying to see that I shot a thing and people are trying to copy the same exact thing. I would understand if you tried to change it, improve it, add your own flavour to it to say that this is mine and you can do what you want but, I know why I am doing this and I can always change it at any point. So, I have a few challenges. One that occurred two and a half years ago was that every single one of my equipment was stolen from me... Everything is really expensive and we creative people don’t get paid how overseas creatives get paid so we have to work extra hard to earn the same equipment that international photographers have. So I have that issue with being safe.

Q: Are there any other challenges that you’ve faced under intellectual property protection?

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A: Um with photography in general, it’s not like a challenge and if it’s a challenge it’s not something that can be worked around. I find the Guyanese population on a whole, the biggest issue I have with almost every single person is time. Guyanese always like being late and if I book 10 jobs and I book 15 minutes in between each job then everyone has to be on time, one person is going to throw off everything. I find Guyanese not respecting of creatives’ time because it is the same with the deejay and things being delayed for a few hours and the deejay having another event.

So, I find on the whole time.

Q: What are your thoughts on how the lack of property protection rights legislations impacts the creative industry?

A: I went into two C.E.Os.’ homes, different businesses in Georgetown, when I had to cover family events for them and in their homes I saw two of my scenic photographs that I took when I started photography. When I started, I started with a lot of scenes and that was my push at first and then people started hiring me and I never got back to the landscape field. So a year ago I went into two of their homes and saw my early photos printed really big, hanging on their walls. I mentioned “Yo, that was mine,” but they were like “Oh, nice,” and someone else printed it and gave it to them and that was it. So, there was nothing I could have done.

Q: Is this something you have seen with other work?

A: Oh, I have seen it a lot with photographers who specialise mostly in landscapes. There’s a group called Guyana Photographers on Facebook and I see them complain a lot about people stealing their photos. I’ve seen newspapers steal other photographers’ photos. They just take it off Facebook and recently they’ve started giving credit but, not all of them do. I think there was a case where a magazine stole a photographer’s work, so that is happening a lot.

Q: Is there any union or body that is pushing to protect the work of photographers?

A: I think the admins of that group [Guyana Photographers] … are trying but it has to go in hand with copyright laws too. There’s only so much they can do. How they usually tend to these matters is that these corporations, businesses that would print their photos or use it they would send a letter.

Everyone would be very professional, they would send a letter and say hi this is my photo and this is the invoice for using my photo. Sometimes they would ask alright it would be nice to get credit but, the truth is in this day and age credits don’t pay the bills.

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Q: Are there any changes or improvements at a policy level that should be made to protect creatives?

A: I think if there was more focus on creative like there is a focus on the dance industry but, even that it is very, very minimal. There is a photo competition hosted every two years, but I think that is somewhat of a private thing, but I’m not so certain. There’s a photo competition around Mash time every year but, I think … local photographers end up holding their own exhibitions. Michael Lam hosts a lot of his own exhibitions at Castellani House. So we really end up trying to put the focus on our stuff on our own but, if there was an initiative for photography and videography it would be a great help to this industry because everyone is basically out for their self, everyone has to be on their own. We’re entrepreneurs but maybe if there was a forum or platform where we can showcase our work a bit more that would be helpful.

Q: How did your international weddings compare to working in Guyana?

A: Um, they were a bit more appreciative. I found that maybe if I shoot 40 weddings per year, 20 of them are going to be very appreciative, so the number is pretty half and half. Overseas weddings are in it a bit more because they fly you out, they put you in a hotel, they take care of you, and somehow you become part of the family because you’re stayin g with them, you’re with them all of the time and what happens all of the time is that before I even leave that specific country and I come back to Guyana, I give them their stuff. So, what ends up happening is that if they hire an overseas photographer, say in the States, the price is going to be three or four times more than I would give them. It’s more feasible to hire Guyanese overseas because of the cost of living ratio.

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Q: Where did international clients your work?

the view

A: Three of the international weddings I’ve done were Guyanese. One was based on a recommendation. I shot a wedding in Trinidad, I have a CSME (Skilled Nationals Certificate), let me add that in.

That one was a private one, another one was a private one in Miami there were two others, Dominican Republic and Minnesota. Minnesota was last year, Dominican Republic was the year before so far since the international weddings kicked off I was lucky to do one per year and in August I have one booked in New York. So the majority of my international clientele are Guyanese. That’s the thing, in Guyana Guyanese don’t tend to support each other but as soon as they leave this country they cling onto each other. I’ve noted that.

Q: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

A: Well, I plan to be working less. I want the wedding industry to really take off in Guyana because the truth is as I previously said a wedding is a luxurious event right and it is not an easy task to photograph a wedding the way I would photograph it. The minimum hours I spend on my feet is 10 to 12 hours without five minutes of break. So, I’m paying attention to every single candid moment, every single thing ..., so I find photography in Guyana is vastly underpaid. Somebody would pay $300,000 for the wedding dress but sometimes they don’t want to pay $100,000 to capture memories. So there is that issue of people not understanding the value of what they’re supposed to pay for this industry and there are lots of upcoming photographers and everyone realises that in the creative industry you can work a little amount of time and make a lot of money and the newcomers tend to see that and they try to undercut the pros and they charge less but, you are getting way less in quality. So like they are inflating the market where you’re going to have maybe all the pros charging a fixed amount and suddenly there’s no in-between. ... So yeah. I find that maybe there needs to be a borderline like this is starting for everyone here and above that, it is not a monopoly but just having respect for your own self and how much you charge.

Q: What advice do you have for upcoming entrepreneurs, specifically photographers?

A: Well remember I said there is no platform, there is nothing in place for creatives. E.R. Burrows School of Arts but, I think if they did it would be very basic stuff. The University doesn’t have any, so there’s no education on this matter. So that’s why I want to start the mentorship program and try to train everybody on what they should or shouldn’t do, but I’m in the private sector.

There’s not much they can do, there’s not much information unless they get it by asking the pros.

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A lot of people generally get intimidated like if you’re an up and coming singer and you have to go and ask Beyoncé for advice you’re not going to go and do it right? That’s how the newcomers actually look up to pros in any industry. They are intimidated so everyone is not going to be willing to go and ask so they’re going to screw up.

Q: What are your hopes for the wedding industry in the next five years? You said you wanted it to take off but, take off in what way?

A: Having more respect for wedding photographers and having more wedding photographers. If it was just me, where is the fun in that? It’s good to have competition. It’s healthy. I hope there are more wedding photographers, more pros, and maybe a little community I guess that would be good, and more people like wedding planners would recognise how important wedding photographers are. After they spend a lot of money on their wedding, the only person they come to is the photographer. Sometimes they don’t even tell their wedding planner thanks but, they will come and hug the photographer “oh did you get this, did you get that” but you didn’t plan with me. I didn’t know that was going to happen so I was over there focusing on something else. So there’s a lot of things and I know I am and I know one other photographer, I’m not sure about the rest because I engage with everybody but I don’t get into anybody’s business that much but, I do know me and one other guy are trying to plan weddings with wedding planners and the couples.

So, I’m more involved with colour schemes because as part of my training I would know how things work better, I would know how light work better, and I know what will go wrong, and I would know how to plan everything else after.

Q: What about market access?

A: The most popular and I think it’s the best and borderline the only platform to advertise your business is Facebook or social media platforms yeah. So, your market access has to do with our own outreach; but if you’re a lonely guy in a small village with immense talent and you’ve been training yourself just in the small village and you only have 200 friends on your Instagram it’s going to be really hard for you to kick off. In a country where everybody knows everybody if you’re a nobody then that’s it for you. So market access in this country is very hard. It depends mostly on your own people skills and marketing yourself, introducing yourself a lot. I just try to be friendly and that’s really hard for a lot of people in Guyana. That’s the real thing you know. A lot of tourists say Guyana is such a friendly place. The countryside I know is very friendly. Well, they must have stayed in Georgetown and I don’t know how they come up with that assumption.

Q: What prompted you launch out beyond the Guyanese market?

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A: Like I said Guyanese tend to forget their worth. It’s not a cutthroat industry. The photography industry is very friendly in this country but, they don’t see themselves like it’s hard to believe that someone is going to prepare their plane ticket like they don’t see their worth. I had that problem too like you get nervous or you don’t think you’re good enough to be paid this amount of what not and then you do it and they’re so appreciative and you start kicking off with it and start getting comfortable with it. But as I said there is no platform so it solely depends on you. Like in the US there are a lot of sites, there are more groups, there are more meet-ups. You have a small one here.

In the US you have copyright laws, you have a lot of things that help push them and I feel as a country we need something like that. It could be maybe a simple photography page from the government or what not featuring a photographer, featuring a photo of the day.

Additional Comment: International law dictates that they [the photographer] has sole ownership of the photograph. It’s as if there is a painter painting and holding the brush. They have rights to that painting because whoever clicks the shutter of a camera that is their photograph and they have all rights. International law for most wedding photographers is that people do not pay for the photos, they pay for copies of the photos. If you lose your copy, you have to pay to get back a copy but, photographers usually keep all rights and they can do whatever they want and if you don’t want the photographer to keep all rights then you can choose or negotiate to change the contract.

In Guyana, I don’t have that luxury of having that ego with my work. What happens is that I ask.

Guyanese think because they are not educated in this field especially and they don’t understand that it’s an art and I have the right to this art. It’s like if someone paints a painting they have the right to the art. You can buy it from them but it is still theirs so it’s very similar to that. There’s no education on what rights a photographer has.

Guyanese think that when they pay you for a photograph that’s it, that is the end of the transaction, this is our photo and not yours, and we hire you to do this. They don’t understand that they are hiring you for the service and not a product. So there’s that issue.

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TIP Leveraging Global Value Chains to Advance Economic Development in Guyana Global value chains (GVC) have been integral to increasing the interconnectedness of the global economy. GVCs encompass the people and activities involved in the production, supply, distribution and sale of a good or service across geographical borders (Figure 2). In essence, they break up a product’s (either a good or a service) production process so that different steps of that process occur in different countries; often in the country where it is the cheapest to perform that step. More than two-thirds of world trade occurs through global value chains and developing world countries play a significant role, with Kerrlene Wills a 33% share in GVC Legal Officer trade in 2011 (Figure Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guyana 1).

Technology also plays an important role in global value chains, by increasing chain complexity and creating a more borderless production process. In 2017, the expansion of complex value chains grew faster than global GDP growth by 1.6%. As technology continues to change the structure of GVCs, opportunities will arise for developing countries to engage in the production process at different levels of the value chain. This presents an excellent opportunity for Guyana to transform its economy, as the country already has access to global value chains through the agriculture, mining, and forestry industries, and can begin to leverage new technologies to upgrade its presence in the global economy.

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In the context of global value chains, upgrading means to make better products, to make products more efficiently, or to move into more skilled activities. Shifting to higher value activities in global production operations, or economic upgrading, includes six levels. Value entry, when a new actor begins to participate in the value chain. Process upgrading, increasing efficiency through reorganizing production or new technologies. Product upgrading, moving towards more sophisticated or higher quality products. Functional upgrading, movement to higher value stages in production that require specific skills. Chain upgrading, entry into a new more complex chain by leveraging knowledge and skills acquired in the current value chain; and finally, end market upgrading, movement to new higher value market segments or shifts into new industries and geographies.

At present, most of Guyana’s industries remain stagnant at the value entry, process upgrading and product upgrading stages of the value chain (Figure 3). This has happened for a few reasons. Firstly, some companies focus mostly on domestic markets and are thus not integrated into global value chains. Secondly, most companies in Guyana either produce primary products or export raw materials. For instance, the sugar industry exports mostly raw cane sugar rather than sugar by products and the forestry industry exports mostly lumber but has yet to shift into the production of wood materials such as furniture. Finally, companies that do produce some value added products have vertically integrated operations, in which one company owns the whole production process and this can be an expensive cost for an individual company to take-on.

Despite these barriers, Guyana still has the ability to take advantage of current global value chain trends by promoting the development of the services industry—as this sector will play an important role in supporting the growth of other industries—aligning workforce development training with international labor trends, and coupling early reactive economic policy initiatives with more proactive interventions. In the short run, continuing to invest in skill-based training within the services sector will help to align existing workers skills with GVC demands and alleviate skill gap challenges. In addition to robust labor policies, emphasis should be placed on data collection and analysis of Guyana’s services sectors to assess if the industry continues to remain relevant to GVCs. Having relevant, up to date data, and accessible information on sector trends in Guyana, will allow companies to innovate and pivot strategies based on facts. It will also

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provide the public sector with more concrete information on how to leverage international partnerships to push development in the near future.

Now more than ever, it is imperative that Guyana gets moving on rebuilding itself within GVCs. With multiple stakeholders and players in the game, it leaves many asking the question, “What about Guyana?” As the private and public sector continue to prepare themselves for the advent of oil, one way that we can ensure that Guyana has a seat at the global table is by taking a more

Figure 3: Size of the circles indicate value in the global economy. Green circles indicate services industries, blue indicate non-services industries. The larger the circle the higher the value in the global economy, the higher the circle is placed on the matrix the higher the value in Guyana’s economy.

proactive approach to the country’s development.

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Hand-painted and batik floral household accessories by Creative Hand Designs

Creative Hand Designs Telephone number: 592-617 9149 Email: jenniferoctaviag@gmail.com

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The New Guyana Marketing Corporation Address: 87 Robb & Alexander Streets, Lacytown, Georgetown.

Telephone number: (592) 226-8255 Fax: (592) 227-4114 Email: isealey-adams@newgmc.com Website: www.newgmc.com

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Register to Join the Department of Foreign Trade’s Database of Manufacturers/Suppliers and Services Providers The Department of Foreign Trade maintains a database of Guyanese companies producing/supplying indigenous Guyanese goods, satisfying the CARICOM rules of origin; as well as a database of Guyanese Services Providers. The former is an important part of managing the CET suspension process in Guyana which requires that producers of goods in Guyana be first consulted on their capacity to produce particular goods before the country can support a request for suspension of the CET by any CARICOM Member State, which in effect, would allow that Member State to import the goods from non-CARICOM countries without paying the rate of duty stipulated in the CET schedule.

The database of Services Providers is an important part of efforts to improve the services sector for the purpose of ensuring that an effective consultative mechanism could be created to facilitate dialogue on trade-related services matters.

Manufacturers/suppliers/services providers that are interested in registering with the database are encouraged to complete, detach and return this page or contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. …………………………………………………………………………………………

Manufacturer/Suppliers/Service Provider Registration Form Company name________________________________________________________________ Business address _______________________________________________________________ Contact person: Name____________________________Designation___________________________ Contact details: Tel # (_____)__(_____)__(_____) Fax#(_____)__(_____)__(_____) Email __________________________ Product(s) produced (only list out specific products if they fall under different tariff headings or service(s) provided: 3. _______________________________ 1. _______________________________ 4. ________________________________ 2. _______________________________ 5. _______________________________

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Department OF Foreign Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Guyana

Contact us for information about Guyanese products and Guyanese manufacturers / exporters and services suppliers.

Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs ‘Takuba’ Lodge 254 South Road Georgetown, Guyana Telephone number: +592 227-8940 (direct) +592 226 1606-8 ext. 232 Email: dglasgow@minfor.gov.gy

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