President Dr Irfaan Ali said it was essential that the Government understood the long-term goals and visions of the Private Sector in order to formulate policies and implement programs that will facilitate necessary growth.
The Head of State said the relationship between the two bodies was synergistic and extremely important to the overall development of the country.
He made this point during his visits on Monday to Pritipaul Singh Investment Inc.’s locations. at Providence and Mc Doom on the east bank of Demerara.
The visit stemmed from the President’s campaign to diversify Guyana’s economy. Since taking office, the Head of State has been adamant that all sectors, including fisheries, would be strengthened.
During the visit, the President and his team were taken on a guided tour of both locations where he was able to see at first hand the operations of the shrimp and fish processing plants.
“I thought it was necessary today to come out and visit one of our largest production facilities in terms of our fisheries sector and the products they export. It was a pleasure and a great pleasure to visit Pritipaul Investments. What I have learned today is the size of this investment, the size of the sector itself and the opportunities within it. ”
President Ali also noted that it was essential for him to visit the facility to gain a better understanding of its processes and functions.
“I think that’s necessary to appreciate what’s happening in the sector. I am also very happy to hear about Pritipaul Singh Investment’s long-term plans, not only in wild catching, but in looking at aquaculture. The number of people employed here is huge, its contribution to the economy is undoubtedly huge indeed. ”
The President also said he will visit more processing facilities over the coming weeks so that the Government is better informed about craft programs and policies to respond to operators’ needs.
“It was a learning experience today. And I’m very happy to have visited. “
Accompanying the Head of State were PSI CEO Pritipaul Singh Snr, Pritipaul Singh Jr. and other company representatives.
According to the CEO, the ongoing expansion at the Providence location is in excess of US $ 75M and will see the addition of a state-of-the-art facility with increased capacity.
“What’s happening in Providence, we have to consolidate Pritipaul Singh Investments; we are moving our operations as we have two locations. Instead of having two locations we consolidate the business. Because of what’s happening in the world environment, because of the economic situation, and to become more profitable it is wiser to consolidate the business and maximize our efficiency, ”Singh noted.
He also said the move will also create additional jobs.
Mr Singh also expressed his appreciation to President Ali for his vision of expanding aquaculture in Guyana.
He said the facility he is currently building in Providence has the capacity to take on sector challenges. He said his company will also be instrumental in marketing, production and export.
“At the end of the day the people of Guyana must benefit from what we do here, I’m happy to be on the President’s table.”