The Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and the Linden Chamber of Industry Commerce and Development (LCICD) on Sunday made a declaration of mutual commercial cooperation and development.They met at Kurupukari, Region Ten. At the meeting they agreed to propose strategies to foster business development to further accelerate trade between the two towns, and by extension Brazil.According to reports out of the Linden chamber, Kurupukari was chosen as a ‘significant location’ for the meeting since it was once part of an old cattle trail, before a road was established.That road now forms an important link between Lethem and Linden and also coastal Guyana.The declaration came about as a result of talks which were conducted between the Linden and Lethem Chambers of Commerce, which highlighted the need to explore mutual commercial concerns and opportunities, during an informal gathering at Lethem,Darcy Kuemper Jersey, where members of the Linden Chamber participated at the Guyana/Brazil cultural festival.Both Chambers acknowledged that there is the need for collaboration to foster growth and development in their respective regions, and that there is more strength in advocating and lobbying for common causes through such collaborative efforts.The declaration was subsequently formulated to encourage and create more business interests in both Lethem and Linden and to further stimulate business collaborations and networks between the gateways at each end of the Linden – Lethem commercial corridor, thus promoting their positions as hubs for inter-regional trade between Guyana and Brazil and by extension the Caribbean.Reports out of the Linden Chamber indicated that the Brazilians are very eager to utilize the Linden/Lethem Corridor, as it has been ‘recognized’ for sometime, that this alternative route for shipping cargo,? is both cheaper and less time consuming.Under the declaration, the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and the Linden Chamber of Industry Commerce and Development (LCICD) declared that they will draft a proposal to government for an improved maintenance programme for the road linking Linden and Lethem, which must include access to work programmes and increased funding, engage agencies in Brazil at SEBRAE seminar on issues affecting trade between Guyana and Brazil.They also agree to provide areas of support available to each other, organize inter-regional tours and create awareness of activities and organize more interactions,Troy Polamalu Steelers Jersey UK, such as the Kurupukari meeting, organize Public/Private sector engagements necessary to encourage safer and healthier environments,New York Mets Neil Walker Jersey, form private sector marketing agencies to encourage competitive pricing and quality, and encourage a more professional and commercial approach to agriculture production and marketing, similar to the concept of the futures commodities markets.The two chambers also plan to engage stakeholders for compilation of information of plans for improvements.This proposal is expected to be completed by month end.The most significant aspect of the proposal however, is the upgrade and maintenance of the Linden/Lethem road and bridges.According to Vice president of the Linden Chamber, Nolan Walton, of major concern is the fact that the bridges might not be able to accommodate maximum payload (weight trucks can carry).Walton pointed out that even though there was some rehabilitation over the past few months, more comprehensive works still need to be executed on the bridges, so that they could accommodate the expected surge in heavy traffic from Brazil.He also exhorted the relevant authorities to upgrade the road regularly to ensure that there isn’t a recurrence of what recently happened where sections of the road was washed away during the last rainy season,Steve Grogan Patriots Jersey UK, bringing traffic to a virtual standstill for days; adding that until such time that a proper surfaced road could be established maintenance is of vital importance.Walton opined that the faster these rehabilitative works could be carried out, the faster the two-way trade between Guyana and Brazil could commence in a big way, as the present poor condition of the road and bridges is hindering progress in this area.Meanwhile traffic on the Linden/Lethem corridor has not seen any significant increase from Brazil, as the capacity of both the road and bridges is inadequate.President of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alfred Ramsarran, reiterated that the maintenance of the road is of paramount importance, and needs to be improved drastically, since it is hindering the expansion of trade between Brazil and Guyana and even Rupununi and Linden.He further pointed out, ‘Proper roads will bring down the cost of our goods. We will be able to fetch more goods in less time, and have less wear and tear with these vehicles and trucks and so on.Lindeners, meanwhile,Craig Kimbrel Red Sox Jersey, continue to hold their breath, as they await the much-touted surge in commercial activity between Guyana and Brazil; and more importantly the new jobs expected to accrue as a result.Residents had been led to believe that by the beginning of this year, some 50 people would have gained employment at the Christianburg transshipment facility, which is being established to accommodate and ship cargo from Brazil.While the transshipment terminal and wharf facility is not yet complete,Fabian Orellana Chile Jersey, some amount of domestic barging has been taking place, utilizing the old OMAI wharf.? However,Wholesale Jerseys Chinese, there has been no significant new employment at the facility.Len’s business and investment services advisor, Tina Horslen,NFL Jerseys From China, read the declaration on behalf of the chambers. She said that the local bodies would strive to improve ties with Brazil.The declaration has been approved by the participants of the Kurupukari meeting and was signed by the Presidents of the RCCI and the LCICD on behalf of their members and in the presence of participants of the meeting at Kurupukari. (Enid Joaquin)