Guyana welcomes foreign investment in its rapid growth and development – Ambassador Hinds

Guyana’s ambassador to the United States (US) and the Organisation of American States (OAS), Samuel Hinds, has highlighted the country’s rapid economic expansion as a prime opportunity for American businesses. He reaffirmed Guyana’s eagerness to welcome foreign investment, particularly from the US, while underscoring its commitment to fostering inclusive growth across various sectors.
Hinds made the remarks while speaking at a World Trade Centre Conversation event in Washington, D.C.,
“Guyana welcomes American firms to take part in its rapid growth and development,” Hinds remarked at the event, held at the Reagan Building on January 29. “We remain open and alert to new developments, as we focus on growing and developing in several key areas.”
Hinds presented under the theme “Partnering, Contributing, and Sharing in the Rapid Growth and Development of Guyana and Guyanese”, speaking before an audience that included fellow Ambassadors, members of the US Congress, Congressional Staff, as well as Executive Director of the World Trade Centre, Washington DC and Vice President of International Programs at Trade Centre Management, Allyson McKithen.

The event Conversation was hosted by the World Trade Centre Washington Intergovernmental Professional Group, (WIPG).
Hinds’ address highlighted the transformative changes that Guyana has experienced, particularly since the discovery of oil in its offshore Stabroek Block in 2015. The discovery, which has since led to a significant boom in the country’s oil and gas sector, has shaped Guyana’s economic trajectory, with a reserve of approximately 11 billion barrels of oil now under development.
Notwithstanding the country’s vast oil resources, Hinds reassured the audience that Guyana is not solely focused on its natural resources.
“Our policy is to use our proceeds from oil to develop our country and people rapidly, for a life without oil after 2050,” he stated, referencing Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which outlines a sustainable path to growth while balancing environmental concerns.
The Ambassador also spoke of the country’s growing relationships with international business communities, including American firms, noting the establishment of the American Chamber of Commerce in Guyana (AMCHAM) in 2018.
“There are many opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses to contribute, to share in the growth and development of Guyana and Guyanese,” Hinds pointed out.
Guyana’s potential for future development extends beyond the oil and gas sector. The country is working to diversify its economy with major investments in agriculture, agro-processing, tourism, and renewable energy.
“Guyana is setting out in the direction presented in its LCDS 2030 and Invest 2030,” Hinds added, highlighting sectors such as sustainable energy, manufacturing, and financial services as areas ripe for investment.
The Ambassador also addressed the ongoing infrastructure improvements, including the $2 billion Gas to Energy (GtE) Project and several private sector-driven initiatives.
He noted that American companies are actively involved in large-scale developments, such as partnerships between US firms and local businesses to build shore bases for oil production. Additionally, the US Export-Import (EXIM) Bank has approved a loan exceeding $500 million to support Guyana’s Gas GtE Project.
One of the most prominent challenges the country faces, according to Hinds, is mitigating the effects of the so-called “Dutch Disease,” which can result from the large inflows of oil revenue. To combat this, Guyana has enacted laws to ensure transparency in the management of oil proceeds, with funds deposited into a dedicated Natural Resources Fund (NRF), managed independently to ensure responsible use of national resources.
Looking to the future, Hinds invited US firms and investors to explore the wide range of opportunities in Guyana.
“We look to your help in finding prosperous niches wherever Guyana, a country with a small population, could fit,” he concluded, expressing optimism about the country’s long-term development plans.
In addition to infrastructure and energy, Hinds pointed to the potential of industries such as timber and wood processing, which will play a crucial role in sustainable development. With a strong focus on education, health, and the well-being of its people, Guyana is positioning itself as a nation ready to embrace the future while keeping environmental and social concerns at the forefront.
The World Trade Centre Conversation event is a professional networking and informational gathering focused on international trade, business development, and cross-border partnerships. At such events, diplomats, Government officials, business leaders, and industry experts come together to share insights, discuss global opportunities, and explore new avenues for collaboration.