The Export-Import Bank of the United States (US EXIM) has signalled its intention to deepen financing support for several major development projects in Guyana, including the second phase of the Gas-to-Energy project, a proposed deep-water port, affordable housing, the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project and the Lethem Airport.
The commitments emerged from a working meeting in New York on Monday between President Dr. Irfaan Ali and US EXIM President and Chairman John Jovanovic, as both sides discussed existing projects and possible financing structures for new investments.
The Guyanese Leader said the meeting focused heavily on ensuring completion of the first Gas-to-Energy project while advancing financing for a second phase.
“Having GTE-1 completed, having GTE-2 financed, with EXIM committing to be a part of that,” the President said as he outlined the areas discussed.
Jovanovic similarly said US EXIM remains “deeply committed” to seeing the first project completed and a second project developed.
“We are deeply committed to ensuring that GT1 is completed, but that GT2 is brought to life,” Jovanovic said.
He described reliable electricity and power generation as a foundation for Guyana’s industrialisation plans.
The US agency is already a major financier of Guyana’s first Gas-to-Energy project. In December 2024, its board approved US$527 million in financing for the development, including the 300-megawatt combined-cycle power plant and natural gas separation facility at Wales.
Ali said Monday’s talks also advanced discussions around a deep-water port, with US EXIM expected to participate in a financing structure for the project.
“I’m very happy at the outcome of our meeting that EXIM would be part of a structure that would see the investment in this port,” Ali said.
Jovanovic confirmed that the bank and other international partners had discussed the port as part of a wider portfolio of critical infrastructure projects.
The discussions build on earlier engagement between Guyana and US EXIM. During Jovanovic’s visit to Guyana in April, the bank disclosed that a letter of interest had been issued for the development of deep-water ports.
The renewed talks come as Guyana separately examines financing options for a proposed Berbice deep-water port, which Ali recently described as a critical part of the country’s wider infrastructure and industrial development plans.
Ali said US EXIM is also looking beyond energy and port infrastructure, with discussions covering housing, security and other areas.
He specifically pointed to interest in the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project and the development of the Lethem Airport.
The President said US EXIM was looking at supporting US companies interested in participating in the hydropower project while also being involved in the airport development.
Jovanovic, meanwhile, highlighted an affordable housing construction project being advanced with US companies and businesses.
“We are also very fortunate to be advancing the Affordable Housing Construction Project in partnership with U.S. companies and U.S. businesses,” he said.
Guyana has long identified hydropower as part of its planned transition to a broader energy mix. The Amaila Falls project has featured in the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy as a potential source of renewable power for the national grid.
Jovanovic visited Guyana in April, when he toured the Gas-to-Energy project at Wales and met Ali and other officials to discuss further US-backed investments in infrastructure and energy.
Ali said the latest talks reflected US EXIM’s willingness to work with Guyana and international stakeholders to find financing solutions for both existing and planned projects.
Jovanovic, who has served as US EXIM’s President and Chairman since 2025, said the institution wants to expand its partnership with Guyana through projects involving US technology, companies and financing.
