Guyana is hoping to leverage the strengths of Cuba’s biopharmaceutical industry as the Caribbean hopes to import fewer pesticides, insecticides and other agrochemicals used in food production.
“…We’ve started to work with Cuba in an aggressive way to build out the ecosystem, using their technology in what is known there as the bio-pharma industry.
“We will be producing all our veterinary needs here in Guyana, all our agrochemical needs for the region right here in Guyana,” Dr. Ali said as he addressed the opening of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) regional conference in Guyana this week.
Bio-pharma refers to the application of living organisms or extractions, by-products or components of living organisms, to prevent, relieve, or treat diseases.
Dr. Ali said the discussions with Cuba are advanced and it is likely that Guyana will be able to help the region “build the ecosystem” needed for these services in the Caribbean.
This move comes as Guyana continues to lead the region’s ambitious food security agenda. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) hopes to slash costly extra regional food imports by 25% by 2025.
President Ali is the lead head of government with responsibility for food security and nutrition in CARICOM’s quasi-cabinet.
President Ali also reminded the gathering that Guyana is partnering with the FAO and Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to establish a Centre of Excellence in Guyana that will support data analytics work, needed to guarantee that farmers everywhere engage in data-driven decision-making.
