Forestry
About 87% of Guyana’s land area is covered by forests. Guyana’s forests are rich in biodiversity and contain over a thousand different species of tree. The State Forest Estate is approximately 12.5 million of vast biodiversity. Some of these trees, such as greenheart, wamara, purpleheart and mora, are harvested commercially. There exist opportunities for investments in Large and Medium scale Logging in primary extraction, the development of a consolidated stock yard facility, value added and down-stream processing, logistics services, as well as environmental services.
In addition to the general incentives that Guyana offers investors, this sector attracts special incentives. These include:
- Exemption from customs duty of a wide range of forestry and sawmilling equipment-skidders, band saws, chain saws, saw blades etc.
- Exemption from customs duty on a wide range of wood working equipment-lathes, sanders, routers, saws.
- Exemption from duties and taxes for items covered under an investment agreement.
Cold Chain Logistics
Guyana’s thriving agricultural sector, particularly in rice, seafood, fruits, and vegetables, is rapidly expanding its export potential. However, to fully capitalize on these strengths, the country is prioritizing the development of cold chain logistics and refrigerated infrastructure. There is growing interest in the construction of modern cold storage facilities, particularly in port cities like Georgetown and New Amsterdam, where exports are consolidated. Indian companies with strong expertise in refrigeration and post-harvest technology, such as Blue Star and Inficold, have shown interest in establishing operations or joint ventures. Solar-powered cold rooms, based on successful models used across rural India, are being considered for deployment in Guyana’s interior regions. Discussions are underway between the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Guyana’s Ministry of Agriculture for collaborative cold chain development, especially in fruit and seafood exports. With growing bilateral agricultural trade, Indian expertise in cold logistics is expected to play a pivotal role in transforming Guyana’s food export ecosystem.
Manufacturing
Guyana is steadily advancing toward becoming a light manufacturing hub, leveraging its affordable land, tax incentives, and growing demand from regional markets. Guyana’s proximity to the U.S. Caribbean and Latin-American markets allows for shorter transit time vis-à-vis other exporting countries. This lead-time advantage is useful for companies aiming to find suppliers to meet their just-in-time delivery requirements. The government is actively promoting agro-processing and industrial development through dedicated industrial zones in areas like Wales and Lethem. Indian businesses are finding increasing opportunities in value-added processing of sugar, coconut, and rice, as well as in food packaging and biodegradable materials. In recent developments, Sun Pharma has entered into talks with Guyana’s Ministry of Health for the establishment of a pharmaceutical manufacturing unit that could serve the entire CARICOM market. Guyana’s positioning as a base to serve Latin American and Caribbean markets, combined with India’s strength in cost-effective manufacturing, creates a compelling synergy that could redefine the regional supply chain landscape.
Trade & Exports
GO-Invest’s Export Promotion Division works closely with investors and lays the groundwork for businesses seeking to develop export opportunities in overseas markets. Trade between India and Guyana is on an upward trajectory, supported by increased oil shipments and traditional exports such as rice, shrimp, and gold. India’s exports to Guyana include machinery, textiles, automobiles, and pharmaceutical products, while imports primarily consist of raw commodities and increasingly, crude oil. The bilateral trade relationship is bolstered by Guyana’s membership in CARICOM, offering Indian companies duty-free access to fifteen Caribbean nations, and by its geographic position as a gateway to Latin America. Indian businesses are increasingly exploring Guyana as a hub for regional distribution. The Indian government is also planning to open a dedicated trade support cell within its High Commission in Georgetown, further solidifying the commercial relationship. This growing trade synergy underscores the confidence and mutual benefit shared between the two countries.
Services
The services sector in Guyana is expanding with impressive momentum, especially in areas such as education, IT, healthcare, and financial inclusion. With an English-speaking workforce and a favorable time zone for North America, Guyana presents an attractive location for IT and back-office services. In healthcare, Indian telemedicine and diagnostics companies are actively engaging with Guyanese counterparts to bring low-cost, high-efficiency solutions to rural areas. Guyana has one of the lowest manufacturing wage rates in the Caribbean and Central America. The workforce is highly diverse and trainable. Guyana’s natural resources provide manufacturers with an abundance of locally available and affordable inputs for value-added products within varied industries including agro-processing, forestry, construction and mining. The financial sector is also opening up to digital transformation, and India’s model of mobile payments and digital banking platforms is being evaluated for implementation through bilateral technical cooperation programs. Together, these developments signal a robust Indian presence in Guyana’s service economy.
Tourism
The country has unlimited beauty and activities that are land as well as water based. This nation is coveredwith rainforests. The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is the primary Government body responsible for tourism and private sector development. For many years, tourism was the second largest export sector for Guyana, before the discovery of oil and gas reserves. Tourism in Guyana is rapidly emerging as a key pillar of economic diversification. Known for its pristine natural beauty, vast rainforests, and majestic Kaieteur Falls, the country also boasts a rich Indo-Caribbean heritage, woven within a diverse multi-ethnic culture, that offers a unique blend of cultural tourism. The Guyanese government has identified eco-tourism, heritage tourism, and river cruise experiences as high-potential areas for investment. Indian travel companies and cultural institutions are expressing strong interest in developing heritage trails that connect historical Indo-Guyanese settlements with temples, cultural centers, and community events. In partnership with India’s Ministry of Tourism, the Guyana Tourism Authority is promoting collaborative training programs and destination marketing. Indian hospitality brands are also exploring investments in boutique resorts and jungle lodges to cater to eco-conscious travelers. These initiatives are expected to increase tourist arrivals while fostering cultural ties between India and the Guyanese diaspora. The sector is seen as both economically and diplomatically significant, with potential to deepen people-to-people links.
Oil & Gas
Guyana, situated on South America’s northern coast neighboring Venezuela, Suriname, and Brazil, has emerged as a significant contributor to growth in the global supply of crude oil. The first significant oil discovery in offshore Guyana was made by ExxonMobil in 2015 at what is now the Liza project in the Stabroek block. Guyana has emerged as one of the most exciting new frontiers in global energy production, with offshore oil reserves exceeding 11 billion barrels. With production led by global energy majors, the country is now focused on expanding partnerships and developing a broader oil ecosystem. India, as a large and fast-growing energy market, has taken a strategic interest in Guyana’s energy resources. In 2023, India submitted proposals for long-term crude purchase agreements and expressed interest in co-developing refinery infrastructure. ONGC Videsh has been invited to participate in Guyana’s offshore bidding rounds, while Engineers India Limited is conducting feasibility studies for downstream oil facilities, including a domestic refinery project. Beyond hydrocarbons, discussions are underway to include Guyana in the International Solar Alliance, further strengthening energy cooperation. India’s experience in oilfield services, EPC contracting, and technical training aligns with Guyana’s goals to localize parts of its energy value chain. As bilateral energy diplomacy deepens, Indian investment is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Guyana’s oil economy.