Over 1000 business meetings set to explore investment, partnerships in Guyana’s growing economy

– as 3rd edition of Int’l Business Conference gets underway

The third edition of the International Business Conference, which opened on Tuesday, is set to be a landmark event, with over 1000 business meetings already scheduled between global industry leaders, investors, and innovators – all ready to explore new investment opportunities and partnerships in Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy.

Building on the momentum of previous editions, Chair of the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce Dr Vishnu Doerga explained that this year’s conference promises to foster high-impact connections, strategic partnerships, and cross-border collaborations across key sectors.
“We have just crossed 1000 meeting requests, with over 100 already confirmed for people wanting to meet with each other. For everyone who uses the app, by the end of it, for every meeting you’ve requested, you will receive an Excel sheet with all the contacts of the people that you’ve requested meetings with. So, even if you don’t get to connect as much as you wanted to during these three days, you’ll also be able to connect with people afterward,” Dr. Doerga said.
With more than 500 delegates and 100 speakers from across the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, and North America, the three-day International Business Conference is being held under the theme “Bridging Businesses for Regional Prosperity”.
The event seeks to strengthen commercial linkages, promote cross-border investments, and accelerate private sector partnerships across priority industries such as infrastructure, real estate, energy, tourism, and industrial services.
The conference is organised by the Guyana-Suriname Chamber of Commerce, with strong support from the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA), the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA).
Delivering opening remarks, Dr Vishnu Doerga stated that the IBC has grown into a vital platform for advancing regional integration and practical business outcomes. He urged delegates to approach the conference with clear goals and focus, outlining six key strategies for maximising the three-day agenda.
Furthermore, he encouraged participants to set specific outcomes from Day One, such as identifying new suppliers, distribution partners, or financing opportunities. He also underscored the importance of leveraging the event’s B2B platform, which features 12 rotating meeting tables and an additional 20 overflow tables on the Marriott’s terrace for extended discussions.
“Very often, we invest a lot of money to be at these events, and then we get all these; we get a stack of cards, we get all these digital contacts, and we never follow up. And I can tell you, after doing this for 25 years, it’s the follow-up that really matters… And again, there’s a lot of technology that you can utilise to make that a lot easier as well. So, over the next three days, you will be able to move from vision to execution. I believe that you will see how you can really strengthen your value chain and your supply chain as well,” the Chair of the Suriname-Guyana Chamber said.
Throughout the conference, delegates will have access to breakout sessions and masterclasses featuring representatives from the European Union, GO-Invest, SITA, and other international development agencies.
The IBC’s unique structure – combining plenary sessions, targeted B2B matchmaking, exhibitions, and informal networking events – ensures that business relationships move beyond conversations to tangible partnerships.
Dr Doerga noted that the conference builds on President Dr Irfaan Ali’s vision to transform the business landscape in Guyana, encouraging the delegates and visitors to capitalise on the opportunities available.
“So, allow me to speak very quickly on how to use this conference well over the next three days. First, set outcomes today. Decide on the three decisions you want to make by the end of Day Three: a supplier shortlist, the distribution partner, and the financing conversation – write them down. Second, work the content with intent. I know that a lot of people are looking at the app, and you can see exactly what happens when, and that’s why we’ll stick to exactly those times, because people have decided exactly what they want to go and see and then schedule all their meetings in between, which is fine. We want this conference to be one that meets your particular needs,” he added.