Reference no: EM132900553

Modern retailing approaches in Guyana have changed in the last decade especially in the technology, food and apparel sectors. It is common practice to shop for these products in small neighbourhood shops, produce markets, weekend markets, street stores and even illegally positioned businesses on road sidewalks or in front of homes. Others have businesses out of pushcarts and personal vehicles. There are also vendors who walk carry around their products in bags. There are a few large family-owned businesses. All operated by entrepreneurs. In the 1970s and 1980s there were some government run establishments but al have been privatized.

In recent years large corporations have entered the market offering wider range of local and imported food, and wide assortment of apparel. The latest technology products are available, particularly handheld devices. There are also franchises of many USA fast food chains.

In addition to the franchises, some companies have entered into joint ventures with local entrepreneurs and businesses. Although Guyana is considered one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, foreign companies are interested in doing business in the country because it is an emerging economy with an abundance of natural products including oil.

Even though the government of Guyana welcomes foreign companies and tries to attract foreign investment, there are numerous regulations about foreign corporations entering Guyana. Legislation that restricts activities of foreign companies can be circumvented through joint ventures with local companies. The government is also aware of the concerns of the small businesses and is very concerned about the needs of small businesses which have traditionally played a very important role in the economy. Government concern also relates to the ability of many of the populace to afford the products. Inability to afford to products is a catalyst for higher levels of crime.

The entrance of these new companies is welcome by some of the populace but not others particularly the small businesses. Online retailing by international companies is also becoming a problem.

Questions:

-Identify the stakeholders in this situation and describe what are their positions? Describe in detail with specific examples from the case.

-In addition to joint ventures and franchises that currently exist, advise foreign companies on other modes of entry that can be used to enter Guyana, and why those would be useful in the Guyana context and the types of sectors. Be specific and relate to the case.

-Given the specifics of Guyana discussed in the case, advise Canadian companies on the optional strategies they can take to go global to Guyana as part of their corporate strategy. Describe the strategy to go global that would be most suitable to enter Guyana? Explain.

-Use CAGE distance framework and information presented in this case only to assess the relative distance of Guyana to Canada in order to advise Canadian companies on making a decision to enter Guyana. Advise firms considering entering Guyana what they need to know about their competitors and how they can get this information?