United States Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot said the interest of U.S. companies in investing in Guyana is at an all-time high. “Just in those five months that I’ve been here, I’ve seen incredible interest, it is just skyrocketing interest,” Ambassador Theriot told OilNOW in a March 15 exclusive interview.
She highlighted the success of the recent Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, which attracted small and medium-sized U.S. companies to Guyana. Ambassador Theriot also highlighted a bilateral chamber visit that brought 40 different U.S. companies from the Gulf South of the U.S. to Guyana.
She noted the importance of diversifying the investor base beyond major corporations like ExxonMobil, Hess, and Chevron, by encouraging smaller enterprises to explore opportunities in the South American country.
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“What makes me so proud about that, is that U.S. companies are known internationally for their corporate social responsibility, their professionalism, the ethics that they bring to whatever industry that they’re working in,” Ambassador Theriot remarked.
However, she acknowledged challenges in navigating the business landscape in Guyana, citing transparency issues and procedural complexities. Despite these hurdles, Ambassador Theriot emphasized the importance of U.S. companies partnering with Guyanese firms to navigate regulatory processes effectively.
“We always try to pair them with a reputable Guyanese company who can help them and not only helps them get their foot in the door, but then they have that partnership moving forward,” she said.
Guyana is preparing to host the Caribbean Investment Forum from July 10 to 12 this year, aiming to establish itself as a focal point for business collaboration and sustainable development initiatives. Set to occur at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), the forum will focus on key matters including sustainable agriculture, the shift towards a green economy, and the digitalization of business practices.
The event is expected to attract as many as 700 investors.
