Belgian delegation signals interest in Guyana’s port development 

From infrastructure to management practises, representatives from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges visited Guyana this week to explore opportunities here. 

Antwerp-Bruges is found in Belgium, and it’s Europe’s second-largest port complex. More than just scoping out investment opportunities, the Belgian delegation came to Guyana to explore how their expertise can be shared to build systems best suited to locals. 

While in Guyana, the delegation visited several private port development projects, including the TriStar Shore Base, the Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase Inc (VEHSI) project, and the new Parika stelling development. They also engaged key government officials and private sector leaders. 

Nico Suys, the Manager of Port Projects at Belgium’s Port of Antwerp-Bruges, told the News Room that the team managed to get a better sense of ongoing development and developmental needs in Guyana during the short visit here. He believes there is much scope for collaboration as the port expands its reach in Guyana and the Caribbean. 

“We had very interesting discussions on how we can make it the best for the local people of Guyana, and also to be economically profitable in the long term. 

“… we think the Port of Antwerp can contribute to finding the right model that is mutually beneficial for the private sector and the public community,” Suys told the News Room. 

GO-Invest’s Senior Director of Investment, John Edghill, agrees that the Port of Antwerp-Bruges team can help Guyana, be it in developing port infrastructure or developing the legal architecture for improved management. 

“We’re always happy to see investments coming in and investors interested in coming into our borders,” Edghill said. 

The delegation’s visit to Guyana followed one to Europe, where Guyanese stakeholders got to visit various port facilities there.