The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) is hoping to play an integral role in Guyana obtaining the status of a manufacturing hub at its inaugural “GMSA IMPACK Manufacturers’ Summit”. This was announced at the launch of the groundbreaking event held today.
Scheduled for March 2024, the summit will gather prominent figures from the Caribbean to address challenges and explore opportunities within various manufacturing sectors, with a primary focus on enhancing Guyana’s competitiveness in the regional manufacturing landscape.
Notable attendees included Komal Singh, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission; Ramsay Ali, President of the GMSA; Kester Hutson, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI); members of GMSA’s board, and other private sector representatives. Dr. Mahindra Ramdeen, CEO of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), also participated virtually.
The summit’s overarching goal is to position Guyana as a leading manufacturing hub in the Caribbean, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation among local and regional manufacturers. Critical issues to be addressed encompass access to finance, supply chain, labor, energy efficiency, and government policies. Practical strategies to be developed during the two-day event aim to boost the competitiveness and sustainability of Guyana’s manufacturing sector and the broader Caribbean region.
Ramsay Ali, GMSA President, emphasized the summit’s unique opportunity for local manufacturers to gain insights, establish connections with regional counterparts, and explore partnerships driving growth and expansion. Kester Hutson, GCCI President, endorsed the summit, highlighting its role in fostering regional partnerships and enabling an environment for sustainable business growth.
Meanwhile PSC Chairman, Komal Singh, commended GMSA for its bold initiative, recognizing the summit’s potential to drive economic growth and diversification. Dr. Mahindra Ramdeen, CEO of TTMA, also expressed full support, anticipating outcomes that would facilitate trade among member states and eliminate barriers.
The GMSA anticipates producing an actionable document post-summit, providing recommendations for policymakers and leaders to drive prosperity in the manufacturing sector.
A significant highlight of the launching event was the unveiling of the summit’s logo, featuring an open box symbolizing upcoming developments in Guyana’s manufacturing sector, positioning the region as a manufacturing powerhouse.
