Newfoundland and Labrador firms continue building business relationships in Guyana

For Immediate Release
February 9, 2018

Georgetown, GY – A delegation of firms from Newfoundland and Labrador are strengthening business relationships between this province and Guyana at GIPEX – the Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition.

A significant offshore project sanctioned for first oil as early as 2020 – and the prospect of future development in the region – are providing firms operating in Newfoundland and Labrador’s oil and gas industry the opportunity to bring their expertise international. This includes members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) with expertise in the application of clean technology and environmental products and services within the industry.

“There are unique similarities between what is occurring in Guyana now and what our province experienced in the early days of our own industry,” said Abbie Lacey, NEIA’s Manager of International Business Development. “We feel that by sharing our experiences, and reaching out in partnership, there are opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador firms to diversify their activities into this new market.”

Lacey said that this spirit of partnership and collaboration is important, an approach exemplified well in a joint venture announced yesterday between the Caron Hawco Group of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Sagacity Media of Guyana. The newly created Guyana Strategic Services will specialize in business development services for firms looking to grow through activity in Guyana. The Canadian High Commissioner for Guyana, Lillian Chatterjee, said the alliance “… is an excellent example of Canadians and Guyanese working together to help build this emerging oil and gas industry and helping to solidify Guyana as an investment destination.”

Newfoundland and Labrador firms are showing they are committed to building lasting relationships in the region, something Lacey said that has been noticed and has been well received in the market. “NEIA and its partners led a delegation of firms to Guyana last Fall,” she said. “We were provided with a warm welcome in September, and we were pleased to reciprocate that hospitality in welcoming a delegation from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry in November.”

High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Mrs. Lilian Chatterjee (centre) is flanked by CEO of Sagacity, Chris Chapwanya and Canadian Business Owner, Caron Hawco, of the Caron Hawco Group at the official announcement of the new partnership. Image courtesy of OILNOW

Lacey noted that an MOU signed between NEIA and GCCI in November has proved valuable already for both organizations. “The GCCI has been very helpful to our delegation in terms of facilitating introductions and providing their insight,” said Lacey. “A trust is being built between our organizations that we believe will be of benefit to our respective memberships.” Lacey added that the support of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) has been instrumental in helping the delegation maximize the value of its time in Guyana.

NEIA’s international business initiatives in the region are a product of continued collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

GIPEX 2018 runs from February 7-9 in Georgetown, Guyana. NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org