Ramnaresh Sarwan is Head of new India/ Guyana Chamber of Commerce

A new India/ Guyana Chamber of Commerce was established on Saturday and is expected to pave the way for an expansion of private sector engagements and investments between the two countries.

Businessman and former Cricketer, Ramnaresh Sarwan is the Chamber’s President. Businessmen Steven Jacobs, Kalamazad Ibrahim and David Fernandes are the body’s Senior Vice Presidents while Banker, Shaleeza Shaw is the Treasurer.

Founder and President of Texila American University Consortium, Saju Bhaskar is the Secretary, and Ekaa Hrim Earth Resources Management Operations Director, Sreebala Kumar is the Joint Secretary.

The Chamber was established to promote trade, investment and cultural ties between India and Guyana. Its formation was announced on Saturday during a business roundtable event hosted at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre with visiting Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

According to Dr Jaishankar, India sees itself as a key developmental partner for Guyana especially as the small, developing country hopes to diversify its economy instead of relying heavily on its nascent oil and gas industry.

“… and in making that happen I count completely on the energy and the efforts and the dedication of the business community and your success is really at the heart of our success,” Dr Jaishankar told the large gathering of Indian and Guyanese private sector players.

Guyana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh made it clear that Guyana is open for Indian businesses seeking new investments or expanding existing ventures, just as it is open for business with other countries.

He, however, pointed out that similar cultures and economic pursuits make India and Guyana good partners.

“Guyana presents really a unique opportunity for Indian businesses looking to establish a presence or expand a presence in this part of the world,” Dr. Singh posited.