PM Urges Stronger Public–Private Collaboration to Drive Guyana’s Growth as Essequibo Expo Opens
October 25, 2025
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GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fostering robust public–private partnerships as a cornerstone of Guyana’s national growth and development strategy.
Delivering the feature address at the opening of the Essequibo Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s (ECCI) 19th Annual Agro and Trade Fair, the Prime Minister commended the Chamber for its leadership in promoting entrepreneurship and advancing regional economic development.
“This Expo is a practical demonstration of what cooperation can accomplish. It highlights local talent, connects businesses with partners, and allows them to share knowledge and expand their networks. It reminds us that the private and public sectors advance further when they work together,” he said.
Prime Minister Phillips praised the Chamber for assembling more than 100 businesses and entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, describing the event as a catalyst for innovation, enterprise, and investment. “With this platform you have created, you have given businesses visibility and the opportunity to showcase their products and services. Visibility helps companies to grow and allows investors to recognise potential,” he noted.
The Prime Minister outlined the Government’s continued investments across critical sectors—including infrastructure, energy, housing, and education—which he said are driving transformation nationwide. He pointed to major infrastructure projects such as the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, the Linden–Mabura Hill Road, and the new Wismar Bridge, as well as the planned four-lane highway along the Essequibo Coast that will modernise transport and trade in the region.
On energy, he highlighted the ongoing Gas-to-Energy project at Wales, which will deliver 300 megawatts of power and halve electricity costs for households and businesses. He also noted renewable projects like hydropower developments in Moco-Moco, Kumu, and Kato, and solar farms in Lethem, Bartica, and Wakenaam.
“Right here in Region Two, solar farms are under construction at Charity and Onderneeming, generating a combined eight megawatts of power that will exceed the region’s current needs and lead to reduced electricity costs,” Phillips added.
He said these developments, combined with the Local Content Act of 2021—through which more than 1,000 Guyanese companies have supplied over US$1.5 billion in goods and services—are creating employment for approximately 10,000 citizens and ensuring that Guyanese benefit directly from the country’s oil revenues.
The Prime Minister further underscored Government’s focus on education and human capital, citing the removal of tuition fees at the University of Guyana and state technical institutes, and the award of more than 39,000 GOAL scholarships. To date, over 82,000 citizens have benefitted from technical and vocational training.
“Essequibo’s contribution to the national economy is growing due to improved infrastructure, greater access to services, and a strong business community,” he said. “The region is well placed to attract new investment and to support industries that can create sustainable jobs.”
Phillips urged entrepreneurs to seize emerging opportunities, adopt new technologies, and expand into new markets while the Government continues to create enabling conditions for enterprise through improved transport, reliable energy, accessible financing, and a skilled workforce.
“To the people of Essequibo, the future is filled with opportunity. The progress taking place across Guyana includes this region,” the Prime Minister said. “As we enjoy this grand event and all the benefits it offers, let us remember that we must continue to build a country that offers stability, fairness, and prosperity for all.”
