Balancing oil wealth and agriculture for economic growth; Berbice Expo & Trade Fair 2024 opens

The Berbice Expo and Trade Fair 2024 officially opened Friday night at the Welfare Ground in East Canje Berbice, with a feature address by Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture.

Addressing the audience at the opening ceremony, Minister Mustapha noted that the annual event is a crucial platform for promoting local businesses, fostering partnerships, and driving economic growth, particularly in Berbice – one of Guyana’s most productive agricultural regions.

In focusing on its theme: “Innovation in Oil, Gas, and Agriculture for a Sustainable Future”, Mustapha emphasized that while the oil and gas industry presents substantial opportunities for economic growth, the agriculture sector must remain a cornerstone of Guyana’s development.

As the nation emerges as a global player in oil and gas, leveraging the wealth to modernize and diversify agriculture to build a sustainable and inclusive future is the aim of the government.

“The oil and gas industry offers new avenues for investment in agriculture, allowing us to modernize the sector, build infrastructure, and boost production. By strategically using the wealth generated from oil to strengthen and diversify agriculture, we can create a sustainable and inclusive economic future for all Guyanese”, he said.

Mustapha further pointed out the government’s agenda of investing heavily in Region Six with a key focus on increasing agricultural production, improving infrastructure, and modernizing key industries.

He made mention of the significant investments that are being made in corn, soya, poultry production, aquaculture, and hydroponic farming along with the development of a state-of-the-art livestock breeding program, which involves importing premium breeding bulls and establishing new pastures across several regions.

“Today, as we gather to celebrate innovation, commerce, and community, we recognize the pivotal role Berbice continues to play in advancing our agri-food systems and securing the future of Guyana’s agricultural sector. The Government of Guyana remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming our agriculture sector, creating a modern, resilient, and competitive nation. Agriculture is not merely an industry; it is a key component of our nation’s food security and economic vitality”, he charged.

Minister Mustapha also discussed the continued efforts to revitalize the sugar industry, with major investments in the Albion, Blairmont, and Rosehall estates. These projects aim to boost sugar production, improve efficiency, and position Berbice as a leader in supplying industrial-grade white sugar and other value-added products.

In addition to agricultural advancements, Berbice, he said is experiencing transformative infrastructure development.

The region is set to become a hub for “gas-supporting infrastructure,” with major projects like the Palmyra port facility and the construction of a deep-water port. Investments in roads, stadiums, hospitals, and educational facilities further highlight the government’s commitment to modernizing the region.

Other speakers at the opening such as the Regional Chairman David Armogan, Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce President Poonai Bigroog and Professor Clement Sankat echoed similar sentiments.

As the Berbice Expo and Trade Fair continues to spotlight innovation and commerce, it reinforces Berbice’s pivotal role in advancing Guyana’s agricultural economy and securing its position as a leader in regional food security.

The mega event was organized by the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce with participation from major companies and agencies such as ENet, Suri Trading, Banks DIH, GuySuCo, One Communications, Nand Persaud & Company. An array of small businesses are also participating in the event which will run until October 21st, 2024.