| Government and officials of Barama Company Limited (BCL) yesterday met to discuss, among other things, the renewal of its operational agreement which expires in October next year.More investments: (L-R) GM of BCL, Mohindra Chand; CEO Thomas Apun and Minister of State,http://www.airmaxfantasy.us.com/Old-Skool-Vans/, Joseph Harmon.In the meeting with Minister of State,http://www.airmaxfantasy.us.com/Gel-Hyper-33-Asics/, Joseph Harmon,http://www.airmaxfantasy.us.com/Nike-Fingertrap-Max/, were BCL’s Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Apun and General Manager, Mohindra Chand.According to a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency, Harmon used the opportunity to reinforce Government’s position of being receptive to foreign direct investment.The Minister said that Government recognizes the investment that BCL has made in the sector over the years.The Malaysian-owned company is one of the biggest foreign direct investors, entering Guyana since the early 90s.It is planning to invest almost $3B in new processing facilities within the next few years.“We want to see that you continue to grow under this administration. We will always try to do our best to ensure that the right atmosphere and environment is created so that business can flourish and you can employ more Guyanese,http://www.airmaxfantasy.us.com/Nike-Hyperadapt-10/,” Harmon told the two officials.According to the Chief Executive Officer, BCL is very interested in continuing to do business in Guyana.“He revealed that the company’s investors are also keen on moving the process of contractual agreements and renewals forward given that further investments are being considered to enhance the level of production, employment and economic contributions toward Guyana.”This year marks 24 years since BCL has been operating here. It currently provides employment for more than 800 Guyanese.The plywood manufacturer had been granted 1.6M hectares of forest lands but says it can only utilize forest products from about 1.1M hectares.With Guyana looking to tighten up monitoring of its natural resources, the concessions granted to companies, both local and foreign, have been coming under scrutiny.The previous Government had made it clear that harvesting of logs from the forests it has made available for commercial activities is still way below what is allowed.Barama itself has been complaining of difficulties to hire skilled workers and acquire enough raw materials for operations.Barama,http://www.airmaxfantasy.us.com/Nike-Lunar/, in August, said that it has invested $43B since coming to Guyana. Annually, Barama said it contributes about $400M in taxes, royalties and other fees. About $1.6B annually is paid out for local service and other goods providers.“Barama’s activities have not only been in log harvesting. It has spent some $8.5B to date to construct over 3,000 kilometers of roads, which are in use by others. Between 1992 and 2013, to tell you we are responsible, we have harvested over 70 percent of the allowable area according to 40-years cycle. We have also been involved in other activities like cultural diversity,http://www.airmaxfantasy.us.com/Outdoor-Marathon-Print-3d/, education, bursary,http://www.airmaxfantasy.us.com/Nike-Air-Max/, community projects,http://www.airmaxfantasy.us.com/Outdoor-High-Tops/, medical facilities,http://www.airmaxfantasy.us.com/Under-Armour/, emergency response, sports…,” Chand had said in an exclusive interview with this newspaper.Barama has processing facilities at Land of Canaan, on the East Bank Demerara and at Buck Hall, Essequibo River. |
