President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday agreed to convene a meeting with members of the Guyana Arts and Crafts Producers Association to address issues that are challenging the industry.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA), the meeting will bring together arts and crafts producers with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), commercial bank officers and other agencies.

On Thursday, Jagdeo and a team including Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad and Go-Invest CEO Geoff DaSilva met with several members of the Association to identify ways government can assist the industry. Producers also outlined plans for the future of the industry.

After the meeting, President of the Association Richard Young said Guyana produces high quality products. “We are export-ready. The quality of products has reached a level where it’s inviting to the buyers, particularly in the Caribbean,” he added. Young also noted that the Association was hoping to attend the world trade fair in Germany “because they are very sensitive to hand-made products”.

According to GINA, the minister had commissioned the Association on March 17, 2008. Stakeholders had agreed that it would guide and develop the local arts and crafts industry;  compile a policy strategy document for the sector; develop the eight sub-sectors identified (painting, sculpture, leather, ceramics and pottery; fabric design, straw and basketry; wood and bamboo; hand-made jewellery/home décor) into clusters; develop networks among single-market economies and agencies/institutions; draft standards for the sector; provide assistance for the production of quality products and conduct market assessments for products.