—says foreign companies should work alongside Guyanese businesses to maximise opportunities from economic growth

SENIOR Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, has urged Trinidadian companies visiting Guyana to pursue strategic partnerships with local businesses, stressing that collaboration will allow both sides to benefit from the country’s unprecedented economic expansion and investment opportunities.
Dr Singh made the call on Tuesday while addressing the opening ceremony of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) Trade and Investment Mission at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre.
The Finance Minister told the delegation that while Guyana remains open to foreign investment, the government is committed to ensuring that local companies and Guyanese citizens benefit from the country’s ongoing transformation.
“We are open for business and we welcome and emphasise partnership,” Singh said.
He noted that Guyana is experiencing extraordinary economic growth, fuelled by rapid developments in the oil and gas sector, large-scale infrastructure projects, expanding industrial activity and growing private sector investment.
Against this backdrop, the minister encouraged members of the TTMA delegation to work alongside Guyanese businesses rather than operate independently.

“We encourage you, as far as you see it fit to do so, to enter partnerships with Guyanese companies, Guyanese investors and Guyanese nationals,” he said.
He added: “We urge as many companies coming into Guyana to seek out strategic partnerships, find local partners as far as we possibly can.”
Singh emphasised that the government is unapologetic about advancing the interests of Guyanese companies and citizens and ensuring they are active participants in the country’s development.
He noted that numerous successful partnerships have already emerged under Guyana’s Local Content framework, which requires the oil and gas industry to procure a minimum percentage of specified goods and services from Guyanese companies.
According to the minister, these strategic alliances have enabled local businesses to access technology, expertise and new markets, while helping foreign companies meet local content requirements.
“You might have technology that Guyanese companies might not have. Guyanese companies might have local knowledge and experience. We have seen some really fascinating partnerships between non-Guyanese companies and Guyanese companies in all manner of ways,” Singh said.
He further highlighted opportunities across a broad range of sectors, including agriculture, agro-processing, construction, manufacturing, tourism, education, training, energy and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, President of the TTMA, Emil Ramkissoon, said the mission reflects the Trinidad and Tobago business community’s desire to deepen economic ties with Guyana.
Ramkissoon noted that the delegation comprises more than 30 companies, making it the TTMA’s largest trade mission to Guyana to date, with participants seeking to explore new opportunities and strengthen relationships with Guyanese counterparts.
“We bring over 30 unique companies to this beautiful country to strengthen ties with our Guyanese brothers and sisters and further develop our relationship,” he said.
He described Guyana as a country offering significant business and investment opportunities due to its economic stability, ongoing infrastructural development and strategic location.
Ramkissoon expressed hope that discussions during the mission would lead to long-term partnerships and joint ventures.
“I hope you will make concerted efforts to have fruitful conversations that will, in the long run, form into partnerships and possible joint ventures,” he said.
He added that the trade mission is intended to strengthen bilateral relations, foster business connections and promote sustainable trade between the two CARICOM nations.