Shipping sector seeks closer Govt collab as trade volumes rise

The Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) is seeking closer collaboration with Government to improve port efficiency and strengthen the competitiveness of the country’s shipping and logistics sector as economic activity and trade volumes continue to expand. SAG Chairman Koma

l Singh, along with representatives of shipping lines operating in Guyana, met with Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, to discuss operational challenges affecting the shipping industry and ways to address them. The engagement focused on issues related to the movement of cargo through Guyana’s ports, with the Association highlighting the need for improved coordination, streamlined processes and greater responsiveness across the sector. SAG noted that Guyana’s continued economic expansion has been accompanied by increased commercial activity and imports, creating new demands for the shipping and logistics industry. The Association said the transformation of the economy presents opportunities for the sector while also making sustained cooperation between Government and industry increasingly important. Singh said the engagement was timely given the growth of the economy and its impact on the shipping industry.

“This engagement is timely, as Guyana’s economy is experiencing significant growth, which is having a direct and positive impact on the shipping industry,” he said. He said SAG’s objective is to work with Government to ensure that Guyana’s shipping and trade systems keep pace with economic growth. “A strong and efficient shipping sector is critical to supporting trade, reducing delays and ensuring that Guyana’s development is supported by an increasingly efficient logistics network,” Singh said. According to SAG, Minister Singh acknowledged the role of the shipping industry in facilitating trade and supporting economic development. He welcomed the engagement with SAG and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to working with the industry to address challenges and improve the environment in which the sector operates. “The Government recognises the critical role of the shipping industry in facilitating trade and supporting Guyana’s continued economic expansion,” Minister Singh is quoted as saying in a statement issued by SAG. “We remain committed to working collaboratively with the sector to improve efficiency and ensure that our systems continue to respond to the needs of a rapidly growing economy,” he added. The Association said such collaboration will be important to strengthening Guyana’s shipping, logistics and trade environment as economic activity continues to increase.