Guyana

Business Opportunities in Guyana for UK Exporters
1. Introduction & Snapshot

Guyana, with a population of 800,000, is emerging as a major oil-producing country in South America. Its economy is also supported by agriculture, forestry, and mining. UK exporters can access opportunities in oilfield services, renewable energy, infrastructure, and agribusiness, especially given Guyana’s recent economic transformation.

2. Economic Overview

GDP (2023): ~USD 15 billion
Growth: 20–25% (driven by oil production)

Key sectors:

Oil & gas: offshore oil fields driving rapid growth

Agriculture: rice, sugar, seafood

Mining: gold, bauxite

Renewable energy: hydro and solar potential

3. Trade Relations with the UK

UK exports: machinery, oilfield equipment, pharmaceuticals, vehicles

UK imports: gold, sugar, seafood, bauxite

Trade is growing, particularly in high-value equipment and services for oil and mining sectors

4. Market Opportunities

Oil & Gas Services: Equipment, engineering, consultancy, training

Renewable Energy: Solar, hydro, biomass

Infrastructure & Construction: Roads, ports, housing

Agriculture & Food Processing: Irrigation, post-harvest processing, export logistics

Professional Services: Finance, legal, compliance, consultancy

5. Regulatory & Business Environment

Legal framework evolving to support oil and investment

Investment incentives for energy, mining, and infrastructure

IP and contract enforcement generally reliable, though local expertise recommended

6. Cultural & Consumer Insights

Business culture: relationship-driven, informal

English is the official language

Consumers are price-conscious but urban middle class seeks quality imported products

7. Challenges & Risks

Infrastructure underdeveloped in rural areas

Rapid economic changes create volatility

Competition from US and regional suppliers

8. Case Study

UK firms have provided oilfield consultancy, renewable energy projects, and infrastructure equipment, capitalising on the growing hydrocarbon and mining sectors.

9. Practical Entry Tips

Focus on high-value sectors: oil & gas, renewable energy, infrastructure, agritech

Partner with local agents or JV partners

Position UK expertise as premium and reliable

10. Conclusion

Guyana offers high-potential, early-mover opportunities for UK exporters, especially in oil, renewable energy, infrastructure, and agribusiness, but requires agility and strong local partnerships.