Guyana will need to significantly strengthen its logistics infrastructure and trade-facilitation systems if it is to achieve its goal of becoming a competitive player in the international gold and jewellery market, according to Technical Consultant Dominic Gaskin at the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Speaking on the Starting Point podcast, Gaskin explained that the anticipated expansion of Guyana’s jewellery industry would lead to a substantial increase in the movement of high-value gold and jewellery across the country’s borders. Such growth, he noted, would place greater demands on both private logistics companies and government agencies responsible for trade and customs.
According to Gaskin, Guyana’s existing systems will need to evolve to meet the requirements of an industry handling valuable and security-sensitive shipments. As international trade volumes increase, logistics providers will need to develop the capacity to transport high-value goods safely, efficiently and reliably.
He also highlighted the need for improvements in the public sector. Government agencies involved in import, export and trade facilitation will need to streamline their procedures to ensure businesses can move goods through the system without unnecessary delays or excessive costs.
Gaskin emphasised that upgrading these services alone will not be enough. The cost of logistics and trade-related services will also play an important role in determining Guyana’s ability to compete with established jewellery-producing and trading centres worldwide.
As the country seeks to expand its presence in the international jewellery market, businesses will increasingly rely on reliable supply chains, secure transport, efficient customs processes and competitive service costs. These factors could become particularly important as the volume and value of gold and jewellery shipments passing through Guyana continue to rise.
The logistics sector is therefore expected to play an important role in the broader transformation envisioned for Guyana’s gold and jewellery industry. The country’s ambition to develop into a major gold and jewellery hub by 2030 will require progress not only in manufacturing and jewellery production, but also across the supporting systems that enable the industry to operate efficiently.
Gaskin’s comments highlight the scale of the changes required to realise this ambition. Across the private sector, from logistics operators to government trade agencies, greater efficiency and coordination will be necessary to create an environment that attracts international jewellery businesses and supports long-term industry growth.
For Guyana, building a globally competitive jewellery sector will ultimately depend on developing a comprehensive ecosystem around the industry. Strengthening logistics, reducing trade barriers and keeping costs competitive will be essential steps as the country works towards establishing itself as a recognised destination for the gold and jewellery trade.