—says collaboration, strategic alliances critical to helping local companies scale, meet  demands of Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy

PRESIDENT of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kathy Smith, has welcomed the newly launched joint venture between local company Dragonfly Solutions Group and Altomaxx Offshore, describing it as an example of the type of strategic partnership needed to support Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy.

The joint venture, launched on Thursday, represents a growing trend of collaboration between local and international companies and further strengthens business ties between Guyana and Canada.

Smith said the development is particularly encouraging for the GCCI, which has consistently advocated for greater collaboration between Guyanese businesses and international partners as a means of building capacity, transferring knowledge and unlocking new opportunities.

Earlier this year, Smith noted that one of the Chamber’s key priorities is ensuring that Guyanese businesses are prepared to grow alongside the country’s economy through stronger engagement, improved financial literacy and increased access to business-development opportunities.

While the GCCI continues to experience membership growth, Smith stressed that sustained support for local businesses remains essential.

According to the GCCI President, the Chamber has actively encouraged its members to pursue partnerships beyond the local business landscape as companies position themselves to participate in emerging sectors and large-scale projects.

She pointed to recent engagements between the GCCI and the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), during which opportunities for private sector participation in the utility’s development agenda were discussed.

Smith maintained that if Guyana is to keep pace with the rapid expansion of its economy, businesses must find innovative ways to build capacity and scale up operations.

She had previously noted that one of the country’s challenges is the limited availability of skilled human resources to meet growing demand across sectors.

Despite those challenges, Smith said the Local Content legislation has fundamentally transformed the opportunities available to Guyanese businesses and citizens.

Reflecting on concerns raised following the discovery of oil offshore Guyana in 2015, Smith said there were doubts about whether local businesses possessed the skills and capacity necessary to participate meaningfully in the new economy.

However, she said Guyanese entrepreneurs have consistently demonstrated their resilience, adaptability and determination.

“Guyanese people and Guyanese entrepreneurs are determined, skilled, capable, and innovative. We know how to get the job done, and for the things that we don’t know, we are always here to learn,” Smith said.

She added that partnerships such as the Dragonfly Solutions Group and Altomaxx Offshore venture demonstrate the tenacity and innovation of Guyanese businesses as they continue to position themselves for long-term growth and success.