Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the President of Guyana, shared the vision of building a world-class transport and logistic hub in partnership with Suriname. The details of the collaboration were shared by the president during his speech at the International Business Conference 2024 in Kingston, Georgetown.
The gathering of officials, experts and stakeholders in the economic sector in the region took place at the venue of the Marriott Hotel in Guyana. The International Business Conference was organised for the first time, and the platform is focused on exploring the business ground of the region.
While addressing the gathering at the International Business Conference, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali talked about removing trade barriers between both nations to give space to constant investments. He stated that both governments came together to develop economic infrastructure while aligning with their policy.
He also mentioned in the gathering about a second gas-to-energy power plant, and the government is already working to procure it. The step is taken in order to fulfil the nation’s current growth rate and to provide competitive energy prices. The government is also focused on supporting the use of Artificial Intelligence.
President Irfaan Ali said, “You already know about the bridge across the Corentyne River, but what you have not known about is the possibility that exists for merging our gas resources and deploying that as a regional asset for expanded energy needs.”
Irfaan Ali added, “And if we are able to position our markets and marry our energy capacities with AI data centres, then we will be bringing 2050 technology here in 2027. And we are positioning the countries as a new nerve for strategic development and investment.”
In his words, the president focused on the points leading to the fulfilment of the shared goals of both nations along with the Guyana-Suriname Chamber of Commerce. He stated how the strategic dialogue between the two nations and mutual understanding is playing a crucial role in the way.
In his speech, President Ali highlighted bauxite reserves of one and a half billion tonnes in the region. He stated that how reliable and competitive energy can be useful to enhance the value chain for Guyana and Suriname. It can also help to create opportunities in logistics and transport.
The government of Guyana is commited to the project and is taking significant steps to facilitate the initiative of both nations. Guyana is working to develop a modern deep-water port facility, and stakeholders are also involved in the project in order to ensure investment in available opportunities.
President Mohamed Irfaan Ali disclosed that the project will ask for an investment of more than one billion US dollars as per current calculations. He asserted that this will encourage business entities to collaborate in the venture to take advantage of the related benefits and opportunities.
President said, “If we build this eco-system properly between Guyana and Suriname, we can create a world-class logistic and transport hub from Guyana. It can give service to the entire region because of its capability, accessibility, cost, and competitiveness.”
