–President says, points to strategic approach incorporating technological, logistical and energy advancements that could unlock tremendous opportunities for the wider region

POINTING to strategic policies aimed at integrating energy infrastructure, addressing gaps and achieving key targets, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday evening, underscored Guyana’s objective to pursue long-term and sustainable growth through continued bilateral partnerships.
Shifting from a traditional address, President Ali opened the floor for questions from attending stakeholders at the inaugural International Business Conference (IBC) being held this week at the Marriott Hotel in Guyana.
The IBC is being co-hosted by the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA).

According to the President, Guyana along with its eastern continental neighbour, Suriname, has been strengthening its bilaterial ties with an overarching focus to create opportunities for regional growth.
“By integrating our energy infrastructure and understanding the energy mix as one aspect of the equation and then creating a transport and logistic loop, opens up all the markets and allows us, through the removal of barriers, to trade freely along this loop,” Dr. Ali said.
He further alluded to the immediate opportunities that exist through partnerships with northern Brazil, citing excess production that could aid in establishing a food model which highlights agro-processing, value addition and expansion.
“What we are building in Guyana’s is tomorrow’s economy for today, and we are not doing that by words,” Dr. Ali said.

He noted that by strengthening policy interventions as a collective, the existing gaps can be addressed.
“We are applying the rationale that we will build for where the world will be in 2030 as against to where we ought to be and then working backwards and bringing the population up to speed,” the President said.
He added: “We are adjusting in real time, the digital gap, the technology gap, the infrastructure gap, the human potential gap.”
He said that Guyana and Suriname are creating a new nerve for strategic development investments.
“That is why the policy matrix between Guyana and Suriname must be constantly examined. That is why we established a strategic relationship where every three months we look at objectives,” Dr. Ali said.
The collaboration between Guyana and Suriname in energy and trade is set to unlock significant benefits for both nations, enhancing regional connectivity and positioning both countries as leaders in the global energy market.
Already, the two nations have established partnerships pursuing joint development in the manufacturing sector. Plans are also underway to construct a bridge across the Corentyne River to further push trade and partnerships between the two nations.
While addressing Tuesday’s conference via a video message, Suriname’s President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi highlighted the long shared bilateral ties built on history, culture and mutual rules, shared by the two nations.
“This strong foundation continues to guide us as we explore new avenues for collaboration and mutual growth…Today, we find ourselves in a unique position where diplomatic and economic co-operation are no longer aspiration but are becoming realities that will shape the future of our region,” Santokhi said.
The hosting of the IBC is a testament to the strength of bilateral relations.
He said: “Together, we have an opportunity to lead on the global stage, particularly on oil and gas exploration, where our combined strength positions us as pivotal players in the energy landscape.”
The conference, he reiterated, serves as a platform for Surinamese and Guyanese businesses to forge partnerships to attract international attention and drive regional collaboration.
“Let us envision a future where Guyana and Suriname can lead the region in economic prosperity, setting global standards for innovation, sustainability and partnerships together,” Santokhi said.
Over the next two days, the IBC will focus on streamlining the ease of doing business and facilitating investments between international businesses and Guyana and Suriname in key sectors including, energy, infrastructure, finance, logistics, agriculture, and business support services.
The IBC is expecting over 100 speakers, and more than 500 delegates, with more than 15 conference sessions.