Page 14 - GMSA 2017 AR Print for flip1

and services sectors –can help drive a return to strong GDP Conclusion
growth. I sincerely believe that this is within our grasp through
the right policies from Government, and the right corporate I do believe the manufacturing sector will continue to hold its
decisions from the private sector. own and to show the resilience the sector is know for while at
the same time recognising that the sector should be able to
In this regard, the GMSA continued to push for the defining of the catalyse a far greater contribution to the economy.
national economic vision and Government’s strategy and plans
on the economy to get a clear sense of how the manufacturing In the last year, we have not only raised the profile of the GMSA
and services sector fit into the thinking for the future. Lobbying but also demonstrated what is possible by taking initiatives.
efforts were also made for the re-establishment of the National This could not have been possible without hard work from a
Competitiveness Council and an Economic Commission to committed team of Board Members, Secretariat staff and the
advance, in a structure way, and to have an instititionalised support from the wider GMSA membership. I therefore wish to
approach, to many of the actions which were put forward at the express my appreciation and gratitude to each of you.
Private Sector Business Summit.
To the new President and Board, I extend best wishes and
While the last year saw considerable hype in the oil and gas support to continuing the efforts of ensuring the GMSA remains
sector, the GMSA’s approach has been one of trying to understand a leading BSO in Guyana and one which can show the way as we
and to prepare. Local Content has been a topical issue and a move towards an exciting future ahead.
strong Local Content Framework is critical to ensuring that local
businesses can be provided with that opportunity to participate
in and benefit from this sector. The GMSA partnered with the
Centre for Business Development from the inception and many
GMSA members have been taking advantage of the orientation
and training opportunities from the Centre which is providing
useful information, training and guidance to those businesses
that are interested in participating in the oil and gas sector. I
would like to urge more businesses to take up this opportunity.
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Strengthening the Organisation FOR ALL YOUR PACKAGING APPLICATIONS

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Organisationally, in the last year efforts were redoubled to involve • Sustainable • Easy to open
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of key sector sub-committee, putting out a monthly newsletter • Instant product recognition • 100% recyclable & biodegradable
highlighting key activities and profiling members, an improved
website and better communication between the Secretariat and
the wider membership and utilising new social media tools such
as Whattasp.

No doubt, these have helped to raise the profile of the GMSA,
to spark renewed interest among existing members, and to
encourage new members. I am pleased to say that at the end Commercial Fresh Produce
Packaging
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of February 2018 our membership stands at X and we have
welcomes close to Y new members.

During 2017 the GMSA was able to secure the assistance from
CESO for a volunteer, Mr. Ronald Seligmann who assisted in
crafting a Fund Raising Strategy and Action Plan and which
sought to build on existing efforts while exploring new options
and innovative approaches to expand fundraising.
Seafood Office
After not having an Executive Director for many years, we are Packaging Packaging
currently in the process of recruiting one and this will make a Caribbean Container Inc.
big difference in strengthening the Secretariat and our ability to Farm, East Bank Demerara, Guyana. | Tel: (592) 265-4224
Fax: (592) 265-4251 | Email: info@ccigy.com | Website: www.ccigy.com
do more. Manufacturers of Corrugated Packaging.

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