GMSA to Launch E-Commerce Portal to Boost Agro-Processor Exports

The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) is preparing to roll out a revamped e-commerce platform for agro-processors through a partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC). A US$30,000 investment will enhance the "Uncapped Marketplace Online Portal," designed to enable small businesses to promote and sell products digitally. Outgoing GMSA President Ramsay Ali highlighted the portal as a "small Amazon" for local producers, aiming to improve market access and competitiveness. The effort builds on previous support from ExxonMobil and complements GMSA’s broader strategy to take the Uncapped Marketplace brand regional and international.

Gov’t Expands Shrimp Farming to Boost Fisherfolk Incomes

The Ministry of Agriculture has launched another brackish water shrimp programme in East Berbice–Corentyne, aiming to diversify income sources for local fisherfolk. Similar to the successful pilot on the Corentyne Coast, the initiative will provide groups of fisherfolk with land, equipment, and training to rear high-demand shrimp. According to Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, the programme has already increased shrimp production tenfold—from 10,000 kg to 100,000 kg monthly—through infrastructure development and modern farming methods. The broader strategy includes vessel monitoring systems to combat illegal fishing and ongoing efforts to reduce input costs by eliminating taxes on fishing gear.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

SMALL ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

1. Customs & Tax Compliance Advisory Services

Opportunity: With GRA's increased enforcement on tax evasion and re-migrant duty abuses, there is now clear demand for small, agile firms to offer consultancy services to individuals and SMEs importing goods or applying for tax concessions.

Why It Works:

• High-value individuals and SMEs want to avoid legal risk.

• GRA is becoming more aggressive in enforcement.

• Small firms can act quickly and build niche expertise.

Notes:
A retired GRA officer or trained accountant could easily start this with a lean, client-service model.

2. Local Fisheries Equipment & Supplies Retail

Opportunity: The newly opened $40M Corentyne fisheries building will house hardware stores and service points for fisherfolk. Small retailers could secure vendor space to supply hooks, nets, GPS systems, safety gear, and fuel containers.

Why It Works:

• The Government is directly supporting infrastructure.

• Fisherfolk need reliable access to tools at competitive prices.

• Low overhead compared to urban retail.

Notes:
Partnerships with Chinese or Indian wholesale suppliers can improve margins and inventory quality.

3. Digital Documentation and Immigration Support Services

Opportunity: With the digital immigration system expanding at CJIA and other ports, small BPO-style businesses can help travelers, especially elderly or rural populations, complete digital immigration and customs documentation ahead of travel.

Why It Works:

• Airport automation is reducing manual processing.

• Most Guyanese travelers lack familiarity with digital forms.

• There's low competition in this niche.

Notes:
Could be bundled with travel agents or local bus operators to add value.

MEDIUM ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

1. Fisheries Cold Chain & Value-Added Processing

Opportunity: With fisheries now receiving direct government investment (infrastructure, training, data collection), there's room for mid-sized processors to build cold chain storage, filleting, packaging, and export systems for local fish and shrimp.

Why It Works:

• Exporters may pull back due to US tariffs on seafood.

• Local demand for affordable high-quality seafood is strong.

• Cold storage is severely underdeveloped on the Corentyne coast.

Notes:
Potential to export to non-US markets (CARICOM, Brazil, EU) with traceability and quality standards in place.

2. Tech Implementation & Training Consultancy

Opportunity: With President Ali actively courting global tech firms (Microsoft, IBM, Nvidia, Google X), there is space for medium-sized local firms to act as integration partners—deploying solutions in healthcare, education, or digital government.

Why It Works:

• Foreign companies need local deployment partners.

• Most ministries lack in-house digital transformation expertise.

• Local firms can also provide training and support.

Notes:
Look at building partnerships with international software firms who want on-the-ground presence but not operational overhead.

3. Compliance-Focused Import Brokerage

Opportunity: The clampdown on tax evasion in the automotive and luxury imports space highlights a broader need for properly managed import operations, especially among high-net-worth individuals and small corporates.

Why It Works:

• Legal risk is increasing.

• Many re-migrant and high-value imports go through brokers.

• Few mid-size firms specialize in this with an advisory lens.

Notes:
Blend customs brokerage with high-end client service and legal review. This can be a niche, profitable business.

LARGE ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

1. Regional Logistics and Shipping Hub (Guyana–Brazil Corridor)

Opportunity: With trade integration deepening and physical infrastructure connecting Guyana to Northern Brazil and Suriname, logistics giants can establish bonded warehouses, customs clearing zones, and intermodal transport hubs.

Why It Works:

• Government actively developing port infrastructure and roads.

• Brazil's Roraima state needs access to seaports.

• Strategic advantage as supply chains diversify away from Asia.

Notes:
Ideal for a large investor or logistics group with regional ambitions. Potential duty-free zones near Linden-Lethem or Long Island (Corentyne bridge site).

2. Digital Public Infrastructure Development (Smart Border, Health Records, E-Government)

Opportunity: Large-scale digital transformation projects—like national EHR, automated immigration, and AI governance—require scalable IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and workforce training.

Why It Works:

• Government has full buy-in on digitization.

• Tech giants are already engaged; need local or regional partners.

• Energy projects (GtE) ensure long-term power reliability.

Notes:
Ideal for major regional ICT companies or telecoms to expand footprint through PPPs or turnkey contracts.

3. Non-US Market Development for Guyanese Exports

Opportunity: With the 38% US reciprocal tariff in place, large manufacturers/exporters should lead regional and South American market diversification—especially in seafood, alcohol, mining byproducts, and agri-processed goods.

Why It Works:

• Brazil and Suriname now more open to partnerships.

• Tariff volatility demands hedging through diversified trade.

• Local production is increasing.

Notes:
Use economies of scale to access new FTAs, bulk logistics, and branded distribution into Caribbean, Mercosur, or EU markets.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Mobile Tax & Customs Compliance Assistant (For Remigrants & Small Importers)

What It Is:
A mobile side hustle offering personalized help to remigrants or small business owners trying to import vehicles, electronics, or other goods. This service would explain duty-free rules, help fill out forms, and avoid costly mistakes or penalties—especially now with GRA cracking down.

Why It Works:

• Many Guyanese are importing cars or goods and don’t understand GRA’s rules.

• Today’s news shows big enforcement actions and confusion around re-migrant concessions.

• People will pay to avoid hassle or legal risk.

• Can operate from WhatsApp and earn from home during evenings/weekends.

How to Start:

• Use a basic PDF guide and video tutorial to educate clients.

• Charge GYD $5,000–$10,000 per consultation.

• Promote through Facebook Marketplace and local WhatsApp groups.

Skills Needed:
Basic understanding of GRA policies (learnable in a few evenings). No professional background required.

2. Seafood Value-Add Pack & Deliver Service for Local Market

What It Is:
Buy fresh fish and shrimp from landing sites (like the new Number 79 facility), clean, portion, freeze or vacuum seal, and deliver them to professionals in Georgetown or nearby areas who want quality seafood without going to the market.

Why It Works:

• Local seafood exports may be disrupted by US tariffs.

• More fish may flood the local market, reducing prices.

• Busy professionals want convenience and trust in quality.

• Opportunity to brand a “premium Guyanese seafood box” for home delivery.

How to Start:

• Partner with fisherfolk from landing sites.

• Use a cooler and vacuum sealer.

• Deliver once or twice weekly to high-income neighbourhoods or corporate clients.

• Charge premium for convenience and hygiene (GYD $3,000–$5,000 per box).

Skills Needed:
Basic food handling and customer service. Can be done in the evenings or on weekends.

3. Immigration E-Form and Travel Support Agent (At Home or Near Airport)

What It Is:
Help travelers, especially older or rural people, complete their online immigration and customs forms before flying out of CJIA or arriving in Guyana. With digital forms now required, many travelers are struggling to adjust.

Why It Works:

• Government is automating immigration forms (now in place at CJIA).

• Many people don’t know how to complete digital forms or lack devices.

• You can charge GYD $1,000–$2,000 per traveler for assistance.

• Requires little equipment (just a smartphone or laptop).

How to Start:

• Offer services through Facebook, TikTok, and airport taxi operators.

• Create simple flyers at travel agencies, villages, and churches.

• Partner with travel agents to upsell this service.

Skills Needed:
Digital literacy and clear communication. Ideal for teachers, clerks, or anyone who is computer-savvy.

These side hustles are:

• Scalable into full-time income if desired

• Not saturated in the Guyanese market

• Directly tied to today’s real economic shifts