The third annual International Business Conference opened yesterday at the Guyana Marriott hotel with calls for deeper collaboration among regional enterprises, as local and foreign participants explore ways to turn Guyana’s economic momentum into shared prosperity. The conference, being held from October 14 to 16 under the theme “Bridging Businesses for Regional Prosperity,” has drawn representatives from more than 40 countries, including large delegations from Suriname, Colombia, Brazil, and Canada.

Delivering remarks on behalf of President Irfaan Ali, Minister Zulfikar Ally commended the organisers for maintaining the vision of the forum, describing it as an emerging institution for trade, investment, and business dialogue.  “The staying power of this conference is the difference between a dream and a durable institution,” he said. “These gatherings are not about registration fees and coffee breaks; they are about what you take home when you leave. Ideas are the real currency exchanged at events like these, and ideas create wealth.”

Moreover, the President’s message highlighted the importance of building bridges that connect Caribbean economies, stressing that “prosperity is not achieved when one firm thrives in isolation but when an entire ecosystem of enterprises grows together.”

He underscored that as Guyana continues to grow, so too should the wider Caribbean. “Our growth is not just our own. Every new partnership and investment that takes root here sends ripples of opportunity across our region,” the statement read.

Encouraging Guyanese firms to expand their reach, the President called on local entrepreneurs to “think regionally and globally,” noting that ambition is the first ingredient of expansion. He urged businesses to follow the example of Trinidad and Tobago, which used its oil wealth to create regional manufacturing and financial champions.

Ally also outlined the government’s focus on building reputable brands, harmonising trade standards, strengthening logistics, and investing in human capital to position Guyana as a key player in regional food and energy security. “We are not just talking about energy independence,” the message said. “We are talking about energy leadership.”

Meanwhile, in an interview with Stabroek News, conference chairman Dr. Vishnu Doerga said this year’s event is designed to strengthen practical business linkages, not just conversations. “We’ve had physical bridges; now we need business to cross them,” he said. “Over 40 countries are represented, many seeking to bring technology, capital, and intellectual property to work with local partners.”

Further, Dr. Doerga noted that while Guyana’s oil and gas sector is maturing, new opportunities are emerging in manufacturing, agro-processing, and services as energy costs are expected to decline. He added that both presidents of Guyana and Suriname have recommitted to advancing the long-discussed bridge between the two nations a symbol, he said, of the broader effort to connect markets and people.

The conference, which features 15 panel sessions and a major business-to-business exhibition, focuses on renewable energy, manufacturing, technology, and investment incentives for both local and foreign investors.

Dr. Doerga confirmed that more than 1,000 meeting requests were submitted through the conference’s digital business-matching platform, with more than 100 accepted before the event officially opened. Memoranda of Understanding are expected to be signed between regional firms by the final day. “This conference is about sparking those conversations that lead to real deals,” he said. “We can’t make people do business, but we can create the right space for it to happen.”