Interest from companies continue to grow as the staging of the second largest petroleum conference in South America’s newest oil and gas hotspot nears.
At a press conference held on Friday, October 25 to announce the upcoming event, Managing Director of Valiant Business Media, Mr. Shariq AbdulHai, explained that the primary goal of the Guyana International Petroleum Exhibition (GIPEX) is to provide companies, both local and international, with a platform to showcase their services to global audience. GIPEX also simultaneously gives companies an opportunity to announce new joint ventures and partnerships by way of daily media briefings.
Mr. AbdulHai said, “Last year, it was the first year…We saw a lot of joint ventures come into play.”
Giving an overview of the event, Mr. AbdulHai said GIPEX 2019 is being organised by VBM in partnership with the Government of Guyana (GoG) through the Department of Energy (DoE), Ministry of the Presidency, with support from the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest).
ExxonMobil Guyana is once again the Strategic Partner for the signature event. Lead sponsors include CNOOC International, Hess Guyana and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Ltd. (GTT). A number of other companies are also on board with sponsorship.
The Managing Director asserted that participating delegates and exhibitors are aware of the high possibility of establishing solid business connections with lucrative returns down the line. He noted that the majority of the booth spaces have already been reserved. He said, “The interest has been even bigger. As we speak now, we are literally a month away from the event. About more than 85 percent of the exhibition space has already been allocated and we have had to add another pavilion this year purely based on the interest.”
He also pointed to special incentives for local participants. “We’re working closely with the GCCI and we are looking at subsidizing some rates for the local companies, especially the startups who want to come in and see how they can be part of this journey.”
Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe lauded the organiser for continuing to do a “sterling job” in planning and executing the event.
“This remains the marque event for the oil and gas sector, in terms of engaging with members of the Private Sector, establishing partnerships, alliances, associations and joint ventures,” he stated. He added, “Last year was exciting and substantial and based on all indications 2019 will be even bigger and better.”
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is pleased to be on board at this year’s event. Executive Director, Mr. Richard Rambarran said that the Chamber is excited to have their members participating in GIPEX.
“There are already a number of members who are registered, and we are working on having more members registered for the event. From the Chamber’s perspective, we look forward to having a number of members making business connections, participating in the conference—which we look at the agenda and see that it ought to be very informative based on the speakers,” he said.
The event will be held from November 20-22 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.
