“They are looking for partners here in Guyana” – Ambassador on French Trade Mission

…interest shown in agri, energy, construction sectors

While it is still early days in the evolving business relationship between Guyana and France, French Ambassador to Guyana, Nicholas de Lacoste, is hopeful that a Franco/Guyana Chamber of Commerce may one day be established.
At present, a Trade Mission of French Guiana businesses and officials is in Guyana exploring business opportunities. They are interested in a number of sectors, ranging from agriculture and energy to the construction sector.

French Ambassador to Guyana, Nicholas de Lacoste, when asked by this newspaper about the possibility of a Franco/Guyana business chamber being established, was cautiously optimistic, noting that while there may not be enough cross-border business between the two countries right now, such a chamber may eventually become a reality.
“We have a European Chamber of Commerce now. I think (that) for the moment, (there are) too few French companies to open such a Franco/Guyana Chamber of Commerce. But maybe someday, of course,” de Lacoste said.
The Trade Mission has, meanwhile, visited a number of locations, including the Guyana Shorebase Incorporated. Its members have also participated in a networking event with the Guyanese Private Sector, wherein they made presentations on what French Guiana has to offer. De Lacoste gave a breakdown of the type of companies who came.
“They are coming from the oil industry, but not only. Different energy services, banks, agriculture, e-commerce. They are looking for partners here in Guyana. I’m quite sure they will find one,” he said.
In August of last year, the Guyana/European Union Business Chamber was launched. Shortly before then, EU Ambassador Fernando Ponz Canto left the country. Guyana also has Canadian and British Chambers of Commerce that were launched in 2020 and 2023 respectively.
The establishment of BritCham Guyana was first announced by British-born Guyanese businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Guysons K+B Industries Inc, Faizal Khan, on the sidelines of the International Energy Conference 2023 at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown in February.

It was revealed at the time that the Chamber has close to 30 member companies, with some 50 verbal commitments. It was also revealed that BritCham Guyana would be launched in London, England and Aberdeen, Scotland.
The Chamber will act as a support for other Chambers of Commerce that exist in the countries in which it operates. British and Guyanese companies were also encouraged to sign up as members with BritCham Guyana to enjoy the full benefits of its support in exploring and accessing each market.
The independent, non-profit Chamber will serve as a leading promoter and enabler of trade and investment between the UK and Guyana, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. BritCham Guyana will also work closely with the British High Commission in Georgetown and UK Government departments to support their advocacy work in Guyana.
In addition to being chaired by Khan, the new Chamber of Commerce would also be supported by a board of leading business executives with close ties to both countries. It will operate out of an office at Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Georgetown.
There is also an American Chamber of Commerce and a Ghana Chamber of Commerce in Guyana. In 2019, Guyana and Ghana signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding for trading relations and information sharing between the two states.
The India-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) was also formed in April of 2023, thus paving the way for the facilitation of trade, investment, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Now established, it is envisioned that partnerships will be built through culture and commerce to serve the two nations through advocacy, culture, economic development, connectivity, business, and education. However, also at the event, several agreements were exchanged.
One was signed between United Phosphorus Ltd (UPL) and the Agriculture Ministry, another between the Private Sector Commission and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) and CII. In addition, GO-Invest and Decipher Health Records also inked an agreement.
A Joint Business Council between the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Private Sector Commission was also announced. (G3)