‘The moment is now’ — Opportunities in all sectors to highlight 2025 IBC

With significant outcomes recorded and opportunities to explore across sectors, Guyana is set to welcome hundreds of regional and international delegates for the 2025 International Business Conference.

The conference, which is scheduled to take place from October 14 to 16 at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, will bring together industry leaders, investors, and policymakers.

It is aimed at strengthening cross-border business ties and fostering regional prosperity.

Speaking at the official launch on Wednesday, Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, Liselle Blankendal, said the event has seen significant growth over the years and comes at a critical time for regional development.

“This year’s theme speaks to what is being done to connect businesses across borders to help grow the region.

“Guyana is going through big changes and Suriname is also moving towards economic transformation. That is why this conference is so timely,” Ambassador Blankendal said.

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Ambassador Blankendal noted, “The future of our countries depends on the connections we make and the ideas we share. As Ambassador, I am proud to see how diplomacy, business, and innovation are coming together to make a real difference.”

She added, “The possibilities are very wide and the moment is now,” and described the upcoming conference as “an event full of opportunities and vision.” Calling for continued regional cooperation, she said, “Together, let’s work to build bridges that will shape the future of our region.”

Chairman of the SGCC, Vishnu Doerga, revealed that 50 percent of the expected delegates will be international participants.

“We already have a long list of companies that have indicated their interest in participating in the conference,” he said. “They want to meet the investment agencies; they want to see what the information is, what the opportunities are.”

The conference aims to attract between 600 and 700 delegates, and Doerga emphasised that the mission is “to ensure that the relationship between Guyana and Suriname strengthens and to ensure that they continue to connect businesses.”

For the first time, the event will feature guided tours to key development sites, including the highly anticipated new Demerara Harbour Bridge, giving participants a first-hand view of Guyana’s growth and infrastructure plans.

President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali, is among the scheduled speakers for the three-day event.

The 2025 International Business Conference will be held under the theme: “Bridging Businesses for Regional Prosperity.”