DR company interested in developing cocoa industry in Guyana

President Dr Irfaan Ali recently met with representatives of Dominican Republic (DR) company Rizek Cacao, who have expressed interest in establishing operations in Guyana.

The team, led by the Ambassador of the DR, Ernesto Torres Pereyra, made a presentation on their project at the Office of the President this week.

The company indicated plans to collaborate with the Government and local farmers to develop Guyana into a cocoa-producing nation.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, also attended the meeting.

In July 2025, the two countries had signed an agreement to commence large-scale cocoa and coffee cultivation in Region One (Barima-Waini).

The agreement outlines plans to establish approximately 200 acres each of coffee and cocoa as part of Guyana’s broader efforts to boost economic diversification, enhance rural livelihoods, and expand regional trade.

At peak production, the project is expected to yield approximately 8,000 metric tonnes of cocoa.

Additionally, nearly 3,000 individuals are projected to benefit both directly and indirectly from employment and economic opportunities generated through the initiative.

During a 2024 outreach to Waramuri Village in Barima-Waini, President Ali had highlighted the region’s enormous agricultural potential and announced plans to establish a 10,000-acre coffee plantation featuring Arabica and Liberica varieties.

He had noted the government’s commitment to restoring Region One as a prominent coffee-producing area through strategic investment and the distribution of thousands of cocoa plants.