THE Caribbean Investment Forum 2024, held from July 10-12 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Guyana, has solidified the nation’s reputation as a top investment hub. With over 400 delegates from more than 30 countries participating in over 200 business meetings and presentations, the forum showcased Guyana’s vast investment opportunities and vibrant economic potential.

The event invigorated Guyana’s local tourism and hospitality sectors, with city hotels experiencing high occupancy rates and catering services bustling with activity. The discussions centred on sustainable agriculture, green economy, and business digitisation, reflecting Guyana’s commitment to modern, sustainable development.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali set the tone for the forum, declaring Guyana an “investor’s paradise” and emphasising the nation’s attractive investment climate. Highlighting Guyana’s status as the world’s fastest-growing economy, President Ali pointed to the country’s rich resources, generous fiscal incentives, and strategic location as key reasons for investors to consider Guyana.
“Guyana is open for investments in agriculture, energy, forestry, ICT, manufacturing, mining, services, and tourism sectors,” President Ali stated. He assured attendees of Guyana’s commitment to democracy, transparency, and accountability, along with significant investments in social development, food security, climate resilience, and energy security.

Guyana’s infrastructure is undergoing rapid modernisation, creating numerous investment opportunities. The development of Silica City, the country’s first smart city, construction of seven new hospitals, new housing schemes, and the Gas-to-Energy Project promise cheap and reliable electricity. The country’s focus on environmental preservation, increased agricultural production, and promotion of tourism further highlight its comprehensive development strategy.
To support its burgeoning economy, Guyana has awarded over 20,000 scholarships for higher education and funded numerous technical training programmes, ensuring a skilled workforce ready to lead the country into the future.
Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, Chief Investment Officer and Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, likened Guyana to the Asian Tigers, nations renowned for their rapid economic growth. He dubbed Guyana the “Jaguar Economy,” highlighting its impressive economic trajectory and sustainable development efforts.
“Guyana’s Jaguar Economy is roaring to life,” Dr. Ramsaroop declared, urging local businesses to partner with foreign companies and seize global market opportunities. He praised local investment projects in energy, hospitality, and agriculture as greenfield opportunities ripe for development.

Investors Simon Shaw, Ermath Harrington, and Sajjad Husain showcased innovative local projects, drawing significant interest. Shaw’s HUBU Aquafarm plans to upgrade its organic shrimp production facilities, Harrington’s HealthApp Solutions aims to make healthcare more accessible, and Husain’s GUYIMEX International Inc. is building a state-of-the-art food production and storage facility to reduce food import dependency.
The forum concluded with a celebratory cocktail event hosted by President Ali at State House, followed by a day of tourism activities. Delegates enjoyed local cuisine, visits to historical sites, the majestic Kaieteur Falls, thrilling boat rides, and an immersion in indigenous culture, leaving them with unforgettable memories of Guyana.
With the Caribbean Investment Forum 2024 successfully concluded, Guyana now looks forward to hosting the International Business Conference in October and the Energy Conference in February next year, continuing its trajectory as a leading investment destination.