Local businesses should seek a meaningful role in partnerships with international companies, including a voice in decision-making and opportunities to gain skills and expertise, President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association Samantha Reid has urged.
Speaking on the Energy Perspectives Podcast, Reid said partnerships could help Berbice firms strengthen their capacity to compete for larger contracts. But she cautioned local entrepreneurs against accepting arrangements that leave them with only a limited role.
“I want to be on the board, I want to be in the decision making,” Reid said, describing the level of participation she believes local businesses should pursue.
She encouraged businesses to join with international firms or collaborate with one another to raise their standards and take on more technical and operational work.
Reid said local participation has often centred on labour, security and janitorial services. She wants businesses to build the expertise needed to compete for more complex opportunities and retain knowledge gained through their partnerships.
That preparation could include technical training, recognised certification, proper registration and stronger business records, she said. Reid also pointed to the importance of financial management and tax compliance in demonstrating that a company is ready to work with larger clients.
The Chamber has been helping members explore potential partnerships through engagements with the United States Embassy’s commercial representatives, Reid said. She also referred to discussions with ExxonMobil representatives about opportunities and preparation for anticipated developments in Berbice.
Reid said businesses should assess what they already do well and identify how they can improve, rather than waiting until a major contract becomes available to build the necessary capacity.
Her call comes as Berbice businesses look to position themselves for future investment and development. Reid argued that local firms will need to prepare and insist on opportunities to participate fully if they are to benefit from those changes.
