President Dr Irfaan Ali has urged businesses to look beyond Guyana’s oil wealth, saying the country’s long-term success depends on expanding its economic base and strengthening its ability to withstand global shocks.
Speaking at the opening of GuyExpo 2026 in Sophia on Thursday evening, Ali said rising revenues and strong growth alone would not determine whether Guyana had achieved lasting prosperity.
“The test of our success will not be in the revenue we’re able to generate,” he said.
The President pointed to interest from an investment group which, he said, arrived in Guyana on Thursday to explore opportunities in agriculture, infrastructure, housing, tourism and logistics, rather than oil and gas.
According to Ali, the group has more than US$10 billion in investments under its portfolio and approximately US$5 billion in pre-approved investments.
He said clearly outlined government policies and incentives are helping both Guyanese and foreign investors identify opportunities across the economy.
Citing the International Monetary Fund’s 2026 Article IV report, Ali said real GDP expanded by more than 19 per cent in 2025, with growth across construction, services and information and communications technology.
He also highlighted figures showing employment increased by nearly 60 per cent between 2020 and 2025, while unemployment declined from 12.8 per cent to 6.2 per cent.
Ali said government’s responsibility includes helping Guyanese build businesses, generate employment and compete beyond the domestic market. He wants foreign contractors and oil and gas companies to develop partnerships with local firms that would allow them to jointly pursue overseas contracts within three years.
GuyExpo 2026, being held at the National Exhibition Centre, features more than 317 booths under the theme “Creating Tomorrow’s Opportunities Through Today’s Investments.”
