WITH Guyana and Suriname’s relationship standing as a model for cooperation, mutual respect, and shared aspiration, the upcoming inaugural International Business Conference (IBC) will serve as a platform towards unlocking opportunities.
This was highlighted by Ambassador of the Republic of Suriname to Guyana, Liselle Blankendal, during the launch of the IBC at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston on Saturday.
The IBC will be held at Marriott Hotel from October 15 to 17, and there will be a major focus on boosting 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).
During Ambassador Blankendal’s remarks, she highlighted that she shares the same sentiments that Guyana is the gateway to many opportunities and pointed out how both Guyana and Suriname are united in their commitment to sustainable development.
The Ambassador said: “As we all know, Suriname and Guyana not only share borders, but also deep historical and cultural ties that have been cultivated over decades.”
She further noted that the cultures of both countries have been shaped by “rich natural resources, diverse culture and resilient people.”

On that note, Blankendal said: “This common journey helped lay a strong foundation for the robust bilateral relationship we enjoy today. The relationship over the years has been one that stands as a model of cooperation, mutual respect, and shared aspiration.”
Also, the Ambassador called attention to the shining future of Guyana and Suriname’s relationship and the potential of deepening ties, which she deemed as “boundless.”
She said that both countries can unlock new opportunities for their people and economies, whether it is through enhancing trade, joint infrastructure, natural resources, or even culture initiatives.
“The future of our bilateral relationship is bright and promising,” the Ambassador firmly stated.
At the upcoming IBC, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali is among the speakers.

Further, the objectives of the conference were highlighted by several other key officials such as SGCC Chairman, Vishnu Doerga.
He stated that the IBC will provide easier accessibility for international businesses to understand what is happening in Guyana and how they could connect with the private sector.
Doerga also said that the conference will be very dynamic with focused sessions

He related: “We have so much massive infrastructure being put in place that it is very timely for us to really peel back that opportunity and really start to take a look at how we can ensure that we bring the best that we have to the table.”
Doerga noted that Guyana has a great deal of primary products and that the manufacturing sector is ready for a massive boom due to the impending lower cost of electricity. As a result, the IBC is being seen as a means of pursuing the chance to draw in more foreign partners.

The GMSA President, Ramsay Ali, shared the sentiments and compounded his statement that Guyana is on the brink of transformative change and because of this, it is crucial to foster partnerships.
He said that the conference will cover several critical topics which are paramount to the future of manufacturing business.
Furthermore, Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Peter Ramsaroop, underscored how important the next five years for Guyana and Suriname are and called for focus on regional cooperation.
He said: “So, I hope this agenda [of] this conference is not about telling [you] how to do it. But let’s figure out how to collectively get it done.”
He then stated that Guyana has already built out its oil and gas industry for the most extent and Suriname is now coming right behind its neighbour.
“Companies in Guyana need to be set up in Suriname immediately and we need to do those joint ventures now. So this conference ought to take a completely different view,” Ramsaroop firmly stated.
It has been said that the IBC will focus on streamlining the ease of doing business and facilitating investments between international businesses and Guyana-Suriname in key sectors of the economy including manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, finance, logistics, agriculture, and business support services.

The IBC is expecting over 100 speakers and more than 500 delegates with in excess of 15 conference sessions
Adding to this, several Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) were signed after the launch of the conference.
The MoU were signed between Guyana, Suriname, Canada and the Dominican Republic (DR) business chambers, and the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency to foster greater relations.

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