Page 27 - GMSA 2017 AR Print for flip1

GOVERNANCE & ADVOCACY
At that forum, GMSA President Shyam Nokta explained that the
GMSA which is a business support organization sees it role as
helping to support its members having access to the services
and incentives being offered for the manufacturing and services
sector as this is critical to encourage and support businesses,
especially local manufacturers and service providers.

“As we prepare ourselves for the imminent oil and gas sector, and
considering the importance of local content and facilitating local
businesses playing a role in this sector, it is important that the
enabling environment be there to support businesses, especially
those in the services sector to grow and enhance their capacity,”
the GMSA President pointed out.

In his presentation at the meeting, Mr. Verwey provided an
update on GOINVEST activities and how investors, both local and
foreign can access the services offered by the organization. He
alluded to the importance of the manufacturing sector as one
of the engines of growth for economies around the world and
Guyana being no different and underlined GOINVEST support to
the sector. Specific mention was made of support to agriculture
and agro-processing, mining, the forestry and wood sector,
tourism, and ICT.

Several issues were discussed including the facilitating role
GOINVEST is playing and expected to play in supporting
investments, local manufacturing businesses being able to
access fiscal incentives in a timely manner, furthering the export
marketing drive, assistance in moving towards value-added
production, supporting cost effective transportation and logistical
linkages with the market place, and access to information on the
facilities and incentives being offered to the manufacturing and
services sectors.

The GMSA indicated its interest in continuing the engagements
with GOINVEST with consideration of a sector focus basis with
the intention of addressing specific issues critical to each sector.