Bridging Borders for Regional Prosperity: Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) Launches IBC Guyana 2025

 

Georgetown, Guyana - July 9, 2025 - The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) proudly launched the third edition of the International Business Conference (IBC) Guyana 2025, under the theme “Bridging Businesses for Regional Prosperity,” at a cocktail reception this evening hosted at the Embassy of the Republic of Suriname in Georgetown.

The evening brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, private sector leaders, BSO heads, and regional stakeholders to celebrate a conference that has quickly become the premier platform for cross-border investment, innovation, and collaboration between Guyana, Suriname, and the world. IBC Guyana 2025 will be held from October 14–16, 2025 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.

In her welcome remarks, H.E. Ms. Liselle Blankendal, Ambassador of Suriname to Guyana, emphasized the significance of the conference in strengthening regional economic cooperation: “Guyana is going through big changes, and Suriname is also moving toward economic transformation. That is why this conference is so timely. It will bring together business leaders, investors, and policymakers, not just from our two countries, but from across the region and the world. Tonight, as we gather here, let us remember: the future of our countries depends on the connections we make and the ideas we share.[...]The IBC shows the growing partnership between Suriname and Guyana: two neighbors working side by side, opening up to the world, and building stronger, more diverse economies. From oil and gas to agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, and infrastructure, the possibilities are wide, and the moment is now. Let’s work together to build the bridges that will shape the future of our region.

Delivering a stirring feature address, Dr. Vishnu Doerga, Chair of the SGCC, reflected on the Chamber’s bold beginnings and its growing regional impact. What began in August 2023 with just eight companies has rapidly expanded into a cross-border movement of over 100 members, with Guyanese and Surinamese businesses making up approximately 80% of the network, and regional and international companies encompassing 20% currently..

From the outset, SGCC decided to take responsibility for advancing regional economic integration, at least between Guyana and Suriname. With support from both governments and investment agencies, today, the IBC is one of the most tangible results of that shared vision. He praised the young professionals managing the SGCC’s operations in both countries and emphasized that the Chamber’s work directly contributes to employment, investment, and regional prosperity.

The IBC, Dr. Doerga noted, has evolved from a simple idea into a dynamic business ecosystem. From curated matchmaking and focused workshops to policy roundtables and cultural collaborations, the IBC is by business people, for business people; He described the breakout success of the B2B matchmaking segment, where delegates gain access to a database of participants, book meetings in advance, and hold real-time discussions at dedicated B2B tables. “We started with 10 tables. By the end of day one, we expanded to 16.” Deals were being signed on-site, demonstrating the power of putting the right people in the room together.

Looking ahead to this year’s edition, Dr. Doerga announced a major expansion of the exhibition component, thanks to the support of Atlantic Hotel Inc., G-Invest, and venue partner, the Guyana Marriott Hotel. The Marriott Annex is set to host up to 50 exhibition booths - more than double and larger than previous editions. This will also be open to trade visitors to ensure exhibitors have direct B2B opportunities and on-site visibility, for local and international businesses ready to grow.

IBC made headlines by launching a pioneering cross-border tourism product, connecting the rich heritage of Guyana and Suriname into a seamless experience for travelers. This successful initiative was a powerful example of how the IBC creates more than dialogue, it delivers results. Building on that momentum, this year’s edition is set to unveil another bold collaboration, a first-of-its-kind beverage currently being explored by two industry titans: Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) of Guyana and Suriname Alcoholic Beverages N.V. (SAB). This exclusive creation seeks to fuse the mastery of both countries’ legendary blenders into a signature product, born of regional unity, distilled through tradition, and bottled with innovation. The goal: to launch this collaborative blend during IBC Guyana 2025 as a symbol of what’s possible when businesses think beyond borders.

In closing, Dr. Doerga emphasized the spirit of collaboration:“This is a Guyana and Suriname event which belongs to all of us. If you have ideas to improve the IBC, share them with us. Even if we can’t implement them right away, we’ll find the right format. We call it the International Business Conference because, as two small but strategically located nations with abundant resources, we know the value of strong international partnerships. We simply can’t do it all alone.”

The event also featured remarks from key IBC partners and sponsors:

Mr. Pritipaul Singh Jr., Managing Director of Guyana Port Inc., referred to the IBC as a “platform filled with energy actionable insights and strong spirit of regional collaboration. His prior experience solidified their decision to return “as a sponsor and not just as a participant but also as a partner, and enabler of growth. ”This year GPI looks forward to building strategic partners especially with Suriname. On being a member of the SGCC, he commented, “we see it as more than just the chamber, it's the bridge between vision and execution, and a network that we’re proud to be a part of.”

Mr. Sultan Dinool, Country Manager of Elgawa in Guyana, credited IBC for elevating the company’s brand visibility and forging strategic alliances. “Elgawa was not a company that was well known, especially when it came to our target audience, the IBC offered that platform for B2B connections - it was refreshing for me as a leader to have that type of connection: it was the first conference where I saw so many decision makers and business owners. IBC is really for companies that want to be regional players and also international players.”

Ms. Andrea and Mr. Salvatore, of Evergreen Adventures, shared how IBC inspired their cross-border tourism product based on the shared Dutch heritage of both countries. “It was a wonderful and exciting platform for us; a lot of people didn't know about our Dutch heritage and our forts. We didn't create this on our own, and this is again the importance of this conference! If you're on the fence, do it, because the relationships that you'll develop and build will grow your business.”

Mr. Amar Alakhramsing, CEO of SITA (Suriname Investment & Trade Agency), reaffirmed Suriname’s strong commitment to the IBC, and thanked the SGCC for our continued collaboration: “The economic corridor between our two countries is increasingly active, with shared opportunities in logistics, agribusiness, infrastructure, and services. We see growing momentum to turn this potential into tangible, private-sector–led projects. IBC has become a valuable platform for businesses across borders. Suriname’s participation in past editions has enabled stronger institutional connections and commercial exposure for our companies. I commend SGCC for creating a structured space where cross-border collaboration is not just discussed, but initiated.” For the upcoming IBC, he noted “we are already working to identify Surinamese companies with the capacity and interest to participate, both in the exhibition and in the business-to-business tracks. We aim to ensure that Suriname’s presence reflects not just its potential, but also its readiness, to collaborate, to invest, and to grow alongside Guyana. Let this be another milestone in our growing Suriname–Guyana partnership!”

Delivering powerful insight from the helm of Guyana’s investment landscape, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, Chief Investment Officer, Office of the President & Agency Head, Guyana Office for Foreign and Local Investments, urged attendees to think bigger, beyond borders and beyond business as usual. “If I had my way, this wouldn’t just be called a conference, it would be called a business engagement,” he declared. He emphasized that what we are doing here is far more than dialogue - we are creating a loop of opportunity, a true economic bridge between Guyana and Suriname and the wider region.”

Dr. Ramsaroop congratulated Suriname’s newly elected government and emphasized the importance of aligning national priorities with a shared regional mission, especially as Caribbean nations continue to import billions of dollars in goods that both Guyana and Suriname are well-positioned to produce and supply. “We are sitting on a goldmine,” he said. He encouraged all to not just attend this conference thinking about our individual companies, instead, let us explore the full scope of what we can deliver together, as a united economic force.

Referencing a recent Wall Street Journal article naming Guyana and Suriname among the region’s top oil producers, he framed the moment as a strategic turning point. “Now is the time to own what is ours - our resources, our markets, and our future. In Dr. Ramsaroop’s words, “let's continue to build on this and own what is ours.”

To exhibit, attend, or partner with IBC Guyana 2025, visit www.guyanabusinessconference.com to learn more and to get in touch.

To learn more about the SGCC and for interview opportunities, contact: Ms. Saudia Persaud

Operations Manager

Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC)

+592-629-7374 | +592-703-0020 | info@surguychamber.org www.surguychamber.org | www.guyanabusinessconference.com

 

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