Headed by Canadian economist, Mr. Don McIver, the unit will seek to promote the interests of its members and provide policy recommendations aimed at creating a business friendly environment.

The new unit will also be examining trade liberalisation and the effects of new arrangements on Guyana's export potential and implications for government revenues.

In a statement, the commission said that in providing support for the initiative, donor agencies were looking to help the sustainable presence of a strong business-centred advocate group that would provide sound analysis and solid support for business interests.

It said that among the first issues the policy group will deal with will be the need for reform of Guyana's tax system, noting that business groups have long been arguing that the burden of taxes is unfairly carried by certain groups in society, with others not contributing their fair share.

And, as a result, they have contended that the Government is constrained from providing the necessary relief to the corporate sector that would enable it to expand, creating new profits and jobs.

Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom are providing support for the EPU, and funding for McIver's attachment is being provided by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the commission said.

Two other staff appointments have been made - Mr. Mark Bynoe as economist and Ms. Grace Perry as Economic Research Officer.

McIver, who said he is impressed with the competence of the candidates for the positions, added that the EPU faces some tough challenges in identifying the most pressing concerns of business and developing truly robust positions.

"Everybody will have to get on board. We need business to speak with a single, strong voice that will be heard by Government and understood by the people", he said.

Mr. Brian James, Chairman of the PSC, said "a unified business sector is crucial for the country's wellbeing and the creation of this new unit will enable us to develop clear rational positions to advance the sector's performance."