Guyanese businesses looking to deepen trade relations with SVG (+Video)

The trade relationship between Guyana and St Vincent and the Grenadines is expected to deepen following the participation of a regional contingent at the just concluded Everything Vincy Plus Expo.

Over a dozen Guyanese businesses were given the opportunity to display their products at the Expo through a collaboration with the Guyana Manufacturers Association.

The products on offer included bamboo furniture, cosmetics, seasonings, condiments, bread and beauty products as well as accessories, shoes and clothing.

SEARCHLIGHT visited the booth which was dubbed ‘Guyana City’ during the four-day event held on the runway of the decommissioned ET Joshua Airport at Arnos Vale. Most of the exhibitors disclosed plans to set up distribution chains in SVG from as early as mid-2024.

Allison Gilead, manufacturer and owner Allison’s Hair and Skin products, made from by-products of honey bees, said the feedback from patrons at the Expo is an incentive to enter the Vincy market as she believes the products will be well-received.

“I love how supportive the Vincy people are… they are now asking when I use this product how can I get it again. We are trying to figure out a way that we can get our products right here in St Vincent so they can have easy access. “

For Marcia Gonsalves Kwang, an all-natural agro-processor who focuses on cassava, the link between the two CARICOM countries will prove worthwhile as she noted Vincentians are moving towards healthier eating practices.

While the move to source local distributors was expressed by most of the Guyanese exhibitors, Vice President of Precision Global Inc producer of the brand Only Coconuts, Lesley Ramlall, said his company wants to ensure that they link with a business that is fair and operates in the interest of the consumer.

“We are not here to make a profit, we are not here to exploit consumers.”

Only Coconuts produces coconut oil, for cooking and beauty purposes as well as coconut flour and Ramlall said that they are seeking to add St Vincent and the Grenadines to the list of four other Caribbean islands they export to along with Canada.