2024 Caribbean Investment Forum: Investments will be sought for major projects in Guyana – CEO of GO-Invest

Guyana will position itself as a hub for business collaboration and sustainable development initiatives at the 2024 Caribbean Investment Forum slated for July 10 to 12, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
It is the third time the forum will be held in the Caribbean, and as this year’s host country, Guyana plans to center discussions on crucial topics such as sustainable agriculture, transitioning to a green economy, and the digitalisation of business operations.
In this regard, agriculture and food security are high on the list, along with the target of achieving cheaper energy by 2025 to facilitate large-scale agro-processing and sustainable farming.
Guyana Times was told that an average of 400 to 700 bankable investors from the region will be attending the event, which includes an exposition for local private companies.
In fact, Chief Investment Officer and Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr Peter Ramsaroop told this publication that investments will be sought for major projects such as the building the infrastructure of different ports, among others.
“With the President’s 2030 plan, we are going to be showcasing much more manufacturing opportunities in Guyana, such as moving to the bigger projects, which is the glass initiative, whether it’s solar panels to the alumina plant or gold refinery, building out the infrastructure of the different ports that the President spoke about, and the connection with Brazil…Guyana would like to own the region when it comes to agriculture, when it comes to manufacturing because of our energy costs going down,” Dr Ramsaroop said.
CIF Guyana 2024 will feature a special app that will allow attendees to book B2B sessions with investors and business leaders. Attendees will participate in plenary sessions, gain insight into thoroughly vetted, bankable projects, and learn more about regional products and services through an investment village and expo which will include booths from companies and start-ups from across Guyana and the wider Caribbean.
Its objectives are to: raise the visibility of the region as an investment destination; assemble the international investment community so that agreements can be forged on key priorities that will fast-track the region’s transition and work towards attaining the sustainable development goals focused on poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, decent work and economic growth.
It will also be used as platform for businesses to showcase their development plans and projects to potential investors, given that another key objective of the forum is to foster joint ventures and partnerships, particularly in sectors like tourism, to enhance collaboration and product offerings.
As a result, government is planning to partner with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to guide the local private sector and prepare them for the conference requirements.
“I mean, we’re asking businesses in Guyana to really get on board, get their business plan ready, be ready to meet with an investor in any one of the sectors, eco-tourism, agriculture, you know, canning of goods. They should be ready to have a serious conversation with financiers that may be coming into Guyana… So, we’re spending time with businesses, helping them understand what is required when you say you want a partner or you want an investor in your company. And it’s a transition of Guyanese businesses in that matter,” he added.
Registration for the 2024 Caribbean Investment Forum is open and Guyanese, especially the business community are encouraged to secure tickets.
President Dr Irfaan Ali is slated to deliver the keynote speech on Day one of the event while panel discussions will be held for the remainder.
Moreover, the investors will tour landmark and tourism sites in Guyana such as the Kaieteur falls, Bimichi Eco Lodge and the Essequibo River, as part of their package for attending the forum. (G1)