Guyana Energy Conference Expo 2024: Companies in search of expanded regional footprint, local opportunities

The third edition of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo opened on Monday with serious interest from foreign companies seeking out opportunities in one of the fastest growing economies globally and moreover, expanding their operations here.
A total of 200 exhibitors from 21 countries are participating in this year’s exposition, under the theme: Fueling Transformation and Modernization.
The ribbon cutting ceremony, led by President Irfaan Ali and several high-level officials and Cabinet members, officially marked the opening of the highly-anticipated event.

Guyana Times spoke with several companies who are showcasing their services with the hopes of creating network and new linkages in the respective markets. For local companies, it is about ensuring that their services reach every section of Guyana.
Area Manager for Intertex, Anderson Ramhit told this publication that they are looking at local expansion, to provide services onshore while supporting Guyana’s local content needs.
He divulged, “We are here at this expo basically to expand our footprint in the region. We are proud to say that we were involved in all of the inaugural shipment of FPSO activity, starting from the Liza Destiny, Unity and Prosperity.”
Meanwhile, Cave Holdings USA is bringing expedited parts replacement to the market with its 3D-printing capabilities. This technology can be used to product parts for sectors such as aviation, oil and gas, automobile among others using various materials.

Vice President for Global Operations, Kevin Nail shared, “If you need something, you’re going to wait six months to get it from someplace else. There is a good chance we can manufacture it with one of our machines and have it to you within a couple of weeks…We’re really limited by the imagination. We can literally do anything from just to basic models up to functional tools.”
He expressed that there has been growing interest in this innovative process, owing to the little downtime and quality materials used.
Marketing Officer of PBS Group Schauvonne Perreira told this publication that they provide technological solutions for all business needs, spanning 20 countries including Guyana. The company is hoping to achieve more brand awareness through the Expo as well as secure new clients.
She noted, “We provide ATMs, radios, cameras and even printing. We gave a subcompany that can print banners, flags and even flyers. With PBS, it can all rounded company for any technological solution. Our aim here is for more brand awareness and exposure, and we would like to partner with companies here to increase our presence in Guyana.”
Another noteworthy exhibitor is Instruplant Limited, offering non-destructive equipment in the Caribbean. Representative Sheldon Arjoon disclosed, “We are here trying to network, introduce new technology to the market and we train and provide certification.”
Many companies entering the market have been focused on hiring local employees, in keeping with local content regulations.
Asset Integrity Management was marketed by OES Guyana Inc, which specialises in tending to the full life cycle of offshore assets through inspection and maintenance. Vice President Adam Gibson revealed, “We have 90 percent Guyanese workforce of the 56 employees. Our investment in the people and training, sending Guyanese abroad has brought it back to Guyana.”
Over on the local side, Weneta Pooran of Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP), detailed that their focus shifted to services being offered, standing for decades as the only Caterpillar heavy equipment dealer in Guyana.
Pooran disclosed, “The focus is in terms of service, the parts that we sell, repairs and training. For all Caterpillar products that we sell, we provide rental. Let’s say based on affordability or short term, you may not want to purchase an entire machine. We have affordable rates for our rental services. Once you come to Macorp, we have a wide variety of services that we can offer to you at affordable rates.”
Several high-level officials participated, namely: Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani; former Colombian President Ivan Duque; Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis; Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley; and Caricom Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett.
Thus far, some 19 different sectors have also contributed as the focus shifts to growth, sustainability and diversification.
The conference will touch on shaping the future of energy; trends and best practices; the oil and gas value chain; emerging technologies to shape the energy landscape; building resilient supply chains in the face of disasters; and collaboration strategies for emerging economies, among other things. (G12)