IN a passionate call to action, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, OBE, urged investors to seize the abundant opportunities in Guyana at the official London launch of the British Chamber of Commerce in Guyana (BritCham Guyana) last Wednesday.
Since the discovery of vast oil reserves off the coast of Guyana in 2015, Miller pointed out that the country has been one of the fastest-growing economies globally.

“Guyana is on the map and it’s thanks to many, many people; thanks to the oil. People are beginning to recognise this incredible country. It is the most incredible country and I really do encourage those of you who have not been there to go and invest and go and find out more about it,” she said to an audience of business executives, investors, government officials and diplomats.

With Guyana rapidly emerging as a global economic powerhouse, driven by its expanding oil and gas sector, Miller emphasised that the timing could not be better for British businesses to invest.
The diplomat outlined the favourable business climate in the South American nation, highlighting its pro-investment policies, and it is burgeoning energy and non-oil sectors.
“The GDP [Gross Domestic Product] has quintupled since 2015. Last year’s economic growth was 38.4 per cent and the IMF [International Monetary Fund] is projecting that the next three years, it will be 20 per cent or more. What incredible economic growth, and this brings up amazing opportunities. And importantly, that growth isn’t only in the oil sector, it is also in the non-oil sectors,” she said.

She highlighted three key advantages for British investors, considering Guyana. For instance, Miller noted that in addition to the country’s booming economy, it is an English-speaking country with a legal system largely based on English law. As such, this makes it easier for British investors to navigate business dealings, legal frameworks, and contracts without significant language or legal barriers. She also noted that Guyana benefits from the United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF), a UK government initiative that helps British companies invest overseas by offering financing and insurance options.  According to the High Commissioner, the British government has significantly boosted this financing for Guyana from £715 million to £2.5 billion in the past year, signalling strong confidence in the country’s economic potential. The diplomat also highlighted that there is visa-free travel between Guyana and the UK as well as direct flights.

She pointed out that Guyana is the UK’s top trade partner in the Caribbean, with bilateral trade between the two nations reaching £1.8 billion in 2023.
“The time is now. Come and see Guyana. You wouldn’t understand the incredible opportunities in Guyana until you come into the country, meet the people and actually see what’s going. New bridges, new roads, news hospitals, new schools, new housing… you name it.

“It’s all happening at the moment and it’s super exciting. Come now. There is competition. Everybody is coming into Guyana. Just in the last few months, three new embassies have emerged in Georgetown. Everybody is coming to invest…,” Miller added.
She also offered some practical advice for investors interested in Guyana. She recommended that investors connect with key organisations like BritCham, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI), the Private Sector Commission (PSC), and the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest).

These bodies, she noted, can provide valuable insights, partnerships, and support for businesses looking to establish or expand in Guyana. She encouraged participation in trade missions, which provide opportunities to explore the market, meet local business leaders, and gain firsthand knowledge of investment opportunities in Guyana. In addition, Miller suggested that investors take extra time to experience Guyana’s natural beauty. With 85 per cent of the country covered in tropical rainforest, she said Guyana boasts incredible wildlife and biodiversity.
BritCham is a professional business support organisation working to protect, promote and encourage trade and commerce between Guyana and the United Kingdom and, in so doing, improve the quality of business opportunities across Guyana and the UK.