GUYANA is gearing up to host the Caribbean Investment Forum from July 10 to 12 this year, a key event for business collaboration and development.

The forum, which will be held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), will focus on sustainable agriculture, ‘green’ economy transition and digitalisation of business.

Chief Investment Officer and Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop stated that this is one of the largest investment forums within the region, and it has attracted up to 700 investors.

“We expect a lot of investors coming to see what is this about Guyana, and we are pushing the Private Sector. There is a call out for bankable projects, because the investors are coming in looking for Bankable projects, and we want to showcase what Guyana is all about,” Dr. Ramsaroop told the Department of Public Information (DPI) in an interview on Monday.

He noted that agriculture and food security are among Guyana’s top priorities, moving forward. In addition to achieving the 25 by 2025 target, Guyana aims to achieve cheaper energy by 2025, paving the way for large-scale agro-processing and sustainable farming.

Dr. Ramsaroop highlighted some of the successes of the local private sector, citing examples such as 60% of tourism sector projects, including the construction of hotels like Kings Hotel and Aiden Hotel, being undertaken by local investors.

He stated a key goal of the conference is to foster more joint ventures and partnerships, particularly in sectors like tourism, to enhance product offerings and collaboration.

“The investors coming into the region is to become a part of Guyana’s development, and so our private sector is stepping up to make sure that they get ready for partnership; for joint ventures, and we have seen very successful joint ventures…

“It’s a very important conference, and I really want to challenge our local private sector to make sure they get ready for this influx of investors that will come in looking for these ‘bankable projects’, he said.

The conference will provide the opportunity for businesses to present their ‘bankable projects’ to potential investors.

Dr. Ramsaroop stated that there is a plan to partner with the IDB to guide the local private sector, briefing them on conference requirements, and preparing them accordingly.

Persons can register as delegates, and companies interested in showcasing their products and services can participate as sponsors.

Last year’s forum was hosted in the Bahamas, and focused on four main areas, which included Agricultural Technology, renewable energy, ICT Digital Business, FINTECH and logistics and transport.

Representatives from the Caribbean Export Development Agency which spearheaded the forum were recently in Guyana and engaged local stakeholders.

Interested persons can pre-register on the Caribbean Investment Forum’s official website, www.carib-export.com.