Guyana held its annual Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo last February 18 to 21 with Exxon Mobil as the leading sponsor of an event to attract investors in the country. Thanks to Exxon, Guyana has become the hottest energy territory, the new baby on the block, attracting onlookers and potential investors from all over the world. The development and production of energy commercial field offshore by Exxon is unprecedented in the region, representing a historic milestone in Guyana’s nascent Oil & Gas industry. Tens of billions of dollars have been invested on varied projects so far, benefiting not only Guyana but regional countries as well as far away Singapore, Holland, USA, Canada, Belgium, among others. It is the largest ever investment in the region, and off course in Guyana, ushering in a new chapter of economic development and dawn of a bright future. It is because of this huge Exxon investment in energy development that other energy companies have been attracted to Guyana over the last nine years, pouring in billions in Foreign Direct Investment not only in energy but other areas as well. The country has been growing by leaps and bounds over the last five years as a result of the energy investment of Exxon and other investors.
The energy and expo event brought leading experts in the field as well as visiting UG students, policy makers, women entrepreneurs, and other businesspersons for important discussions on Guyana’s energy future and national development. The President, Vice President, PM, and several Ministers, including Vickram Bharrat, Deodat Indar, Juan Edghill, Sonia Pariag, Ashni Singh, and Susan Rodrigues, educators including Vice Chancellor Paloma Mohamed Martin, among others were in attendance. There were addresses from President Ali, VP Jagdeo, PM Phillips, President of Dominican Republic, other global leaders, Ministers, diplomats (including USA Ambassador Nicole Theriot), Exxon Guyana CEO Alistair Routledge, among other prominent individuals.
The conference attracted participants from 60 countries and 26 different industries, providing a platform for exchanging ideas to advance the energy sector in Guyana. The trade exhibition, roundtable discussion, workshops and other activities were helpful to participants eager to enter Guyana’s market. Displayers showcasing products, including latest technology and equipment, and others profiling energy services they offered in the value chain were also helpful.
Although a private forum, it had the official endorsement of the government and important support from Exxon, the largest investor in Guyana’s history, among other sponsors that included a host of energy companies. Exxon has been key to the emergence of Guyana as an oil producer and its rapid development and for all the global attention it commands.
As the leading and largest energy and offshore investment near Guyana and the entire region, the energy event, with Exxon’s support, attracted local, regional, and international audience. The organizers reported that almost 1000 local and foreign delegates were in attendance.
The organizers are commended for greater involvement of women that would drive their economic empowerment and the youth program (with 20 UG students getting complimentary access) to obtain first-hand experience about energy expo and conference). President Ali welcomed youth involvement allowing them to learn about Guyana’s oil and gas industry and to interact with some of the world’s leading conglomerates across 26 industries that could help them in a career path. Her Excellency Nicole Theriot affirmed that the Guyana government is 100 percent focused on the sustainable development of oil resources implementing best practices from around the world and paying attention to the pitfalls that have affected other territories.
The several functions, breakfasts, lunch, dinners, Presidential reception at State House, etc. allowed for important networking opportunities to do business as well as to enter into partnerships with locals. The presence of potential investors at the energy conference and expo will benefit the country. This annual conference continues to provide exposure of Guyana’s investment opportunities that will help local companies to grow while expanding national development.
