Israel hopes to ‘reignite’ trade with Guyana
…Region’s largest dairy farm part of expansion plans
Known for technology and innovation, Israel is hoping to expand trade relations with Guyana and the country’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Guyana, Itai Bardov, believes that both nations can benefit significantly from closer ties.
This week, Ambassador Bardov led a small Israeli delegation to Guyana; they engaged top government officials, including President Dr. Irfaan Ali, and members of the private sector.
Bardov described the visit this week – his first trip to Guyana – as an exploratory one, meant to scope out areas the two countries can deepen ties.
Focus was also directed towards identifying areas for Israeli businesses to invest in.
“Now, it is a great opportunity to come and reignite and enhance opportunities…but also, trade and economic cooperation is at the top of my agenda,” Ambassador Bardov told the News Room during an interview on Thursday.
He was keen in pointing out that the Israeli interest is not new.
In fact, Guyana and Israeli established diplomatic relations over two decades ago. In the private sector realm, there has been increasing interest in local partnerships.
And Ambassador Bardov said the establishment of the Caribbean Community’s largest dairy farm in Guyana, a product of a burgeoning partnership between Israel’s LR Group and Guyana’s Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) is an example of what benefits can be derived when the two countries partner with each other.
Through that dairy farm, Guyana is poised to become nearly self-sufficient in its dairy needs. Ambassador Bardov said the project itself is expected to employ hundreds of people directly and indirectly.
The farm- a US$16 million venture– will be established at Moblissa on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway, in 2024.
Beyond this venture, however, Bardov noted that there is significant interest in other investments in the local agricultural sector.
According to him, Israel has distinguished itself as an agricultural powerhouse with a keen focus on technology and innovation.
Good of Israel to finally recognize Guyana’s existence and moreover to establish trade and bilateral relationship. One wonders when and if a Palestinian delegation of similiar interest will be invited also. Guyana needs to be very aware of the alliances being formed with certain regimes, especially those that have a abhorrent human rights record pertaining to their sequestration and land grab of territories they claim as theirs. Does this ring a bell Guyana?