(This column explores initiatives to improve the business climate of our nation and make Guyana Open for Business a reality. Peter R. Ramsaroop, MBA Chairman, RoopGroup)
Introduction:
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to interact directly with Go-Invest and was most disappointed by the end result. This office was set up to cut out red-tape while providing incentives for foreign and local investors, but instead it has been branded as an unnecessary stop and many investors must then fend for themselves with the various ministries. Over the years, Go-Invest have advertised billions of investments and thousands of jobs but we never see many of these investments finalised. We first called for eliminating Go-Invest in 2006 and to establish an Economic Leadership Group in which I would volunteer to be on the team or even lead (without pay).
Over the last several years, it has become clear to me that a fundamentally different approach is needed at the macro-economic level from our public sector leaders to encourage investment and rebuild our business climate. Much of the energies of investors has seemingly been stymied by the discouraging climate for business in Guyana.
