Heavy focus on manufacturing as International Business Conference set for October

The inaugural International Business Conference (IBC) will be held in Guyana from October 15 to 17 and in its first year, there will be a huge focus on pushing Guyana’s manufacturing sector.

The conference will be co-hosted by the Suriname- Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA). It was launched on Saturday at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston; the conference will also be held here.

SGCC Chairman, Vishnu Doerga emphasised that the conference is one that will be useful to the entire business community not just those in Guyana and Suriname.

And there is a huge focus on the manufacturing sector because of the opportunities available in Guyana.

Doerga pointed out that there are abundant primary products in Guyana and with cheaper electricity coming soon, the manufacturing sector is poised for a huge takeoff. As such, an opportunity to attract more international partners was recognised and is being pursued through the IBC.

He also noted that private sector players, including those from the SGCC, are keen on exploring other opportunities in real estate, infrastructure, mining, industrial services and tourism.

Because the conference organisers are focused on being as practical and beneficial to businesses and investors as possible, the SGCC Chairman said the entire conference is tailored towards connecting foreign investors with local businesses, business service organisations and other stakeholders.

He added, “We want the content presented at the conference to be for the purpose of educating the delegates on how they can do better business in Guyana.”

Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali is among the speakers for the event.

Doerga, however, noted that there will be a heavy focus on networking and business to business (B2B) activities.

GMSA President, Ramsay Ali told those gathered at Saturday’s launch that Guyana can become the “primary destination for manufacturing” in the Caribbean.

“It is crucial that we harness the momentum to foster partnerships,” Ali posited.

The IBC has the support of the Government of Guyana and there are numerous partnerships with various foreign delegations and Chambers of Commerce in Guyana.

Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Peter Ramsaroop charged the organisers of the conference to “figure out how to close deals” at the IBC in October. For him, there have been many conferences already showing the interest in Guyana, and investing in Guyana, so there must be a greater focus now on getting business done.