GMSA hoping to boost exports through online platform

At the Annual General Meeting of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) on Friday, outgoing President Ramsay Ali announced an agreement that will soon be inked with the International Trade Centre (ITC) to develop a digital platform for small businesses, particularly agro-processors.

“This initiative is a game-changer for our agro-processing members, offering a digital platform where businesses can promote and sell their products with ease.

“As e-commerce continues to reshape global trade, this portal will help growing businesses expand their reach, connect with buyers locally and soon internationally, and stay competitive in the digital economy,” Ali stated.

Ali revealed that the partnership will see an investment of US$30,000 to improve the Uncapped Marketplace Online Portal. The portal was designed a few years ago to expand international market access and boost e-commerce in Guyana’s agro-processing sector.

“Like a small Amazon so you can go online, make a payment and you can get it [product] delivered to your house,” Ali explained.

This development has been in the works for the past three years and is now finally coming to fruition through the collaboration with the ITC, an organisation based in the European Union.

““Once we make this successful and I am sure we will, there are significant more monies to be had and make the project bigger and bigger,” Ali stated.

This new effort builds upon the previous G$10 million sponsorship from ExxonMobil Guyana, which initially supported the e-commerce platform.

Meanwhile, Ali highlighted the success of GMSA’s flagship Uncapped Marketplace event last year. He told the gathering that the event serves as a vital platform for local producers to showcase their goods, network with potential buyers, and generate sales.

The 2024 edition saw increased participation, with over 100 agro-processors taking part, reaffirming the high demand for Guyanese products and the remarkable innovation and quality present in the local manufacturing sector.

Additionally, Ali spoke of plans to take Uncapped regionally and internationally.