banking services, including those in the hinterland, by simplifying the process of opening a bank account. Guyanese will also be able to apply for loans and process transactions online within the next five years. Meanwhile, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will be able to access up to $10 million in zerocollateral loans through the Guyana Development Bank, president Ali announced Wednesday, outlining the government’s policy agenda for economic and social development at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC). The SME Development Bank, a key commitment in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration’s 2025 Manifesto, aims to create financial opportunities for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) so they can benefit from longlasting prosperity in Guyana’s development trajectory. This bank, set to be fully operational before the end of the first quarter of 2026, will receive an initial injection of USD 200 million from the government. The president pledged that youth, women and persons living with disabilities will be prioritised. Micro businesses will be able to apply for up to $3 million zero-collateral and zero-interest loans through the transformative development bank. “In the past, thousands of young Guyanese would have been denied access to financing for lack of collateral or business plan,” he said, declaring that,“We no longer have to worry about that.” The president added that through the co-investment mechanism, businesses: “Will have access to an additional $7 million, on preferential interest rates, unlocking financing of up to $10 million.” To ensure Guyanese are prepared for these opportunities, the government will soon appoint a technical team to assist aspiring entrepreneurs in developing sustainable and comprehensive business plans. Importantly,this will be complemented with mentorship programmes and financial literacy initiatives to help Guyanese save for future investments. “This is progress in financial inclusion and empowerment that is measurable. Moving forward, to ensure that every Guyanese has access to the banking system, and access to opportunity that exists in Guyana, today, every effort will be made to encourage them to open their own bank account,” he affirmed. To further modernise the financial system, president Ali announced that a junior stock exchange will be created. Financial reform aligns with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration’s commitment outlined in its 2025 Manifesto.The government aims to foster a more inclusive financial system that will empower all Guyanese to access the system and to participate in saving and investment opportunities. The PPP/C government intends to achieve this by collaborating with commercial banks to expand 8 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 12
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