Whilst Guyana is not the newest oil producer on the block (although it has gone from zero barrels in 2019 to some 918,000 today – more than one per citizen) it is still one of the most exciting global prospects.
And one where Aberdeen companies continue to have both success and interests – from the smallest companies to the largest. It is also relevant to remember that the Head of Exxon in Guyana is also local(ish)!
But it is important to note that Guyana’s development journey (and the opportunities that exist there) are not just about oil and gas. Indeed, a recent visit to the region showed that.
The Guyanese High Commissioner to the UK, HE Dr Raj Singh, was eager to make those points when he visited Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire in October.
Facilitated by Granite PR and Aodhan Consultancy Ltd (and supported by Aberdeen City Council, the Provost of Aberdeenshire and Invest Aberdeen), the High Commissioner had the opportunity to talk to those in the oil and gas sector.
But equally importantly he had the chance to talk to educational and agricultural institutions. He also met the Lord Provost of Aberdeen and the Provost of Aberdeenshire to hear about the wider vision of the city and the region.
Site visits to some of the Shire’s leading agricultural institutions, such as ONE SeedPod in Craibstone, ANM in Thainstone, Forest Farm in Blackburn, and Stewart Trailers in Daviot showed that there is so much more to our part of the world than oil and gas.
The visit was important for exactly that reason. Because in addition to demonstrating Aberdeen’s leading role in the oil and gas sector it was also an opportunity to highlight the Shire’s agricultural heritage and expertise and the educational prowess as demonstrated by The Hutton Institute, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen University, and SRUC.
All of which have much to add to Guyana’s development journey.
The visit added to the 8th Aberdeen-Guyana Gateway, held on 10 September and showcasing business opportunities for Aberdeen-based companies.
The message from the High Commissioner’s visit was clear – that Guyana is open for business and keen for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire companies to win that business. But he emphasised that it was not just about the obvious oil and gas. The opportunities go much further than this, into education, agriculture and aquaculture. Guyana wants to hear from Aberdeen and the Shire on these topics.
It is now it is for the region’s businesses to take up those opportunities. And it was obvious from discussions that there are many who are keen to do so.
For more information and support on all things Guyana please contact Greg Quinn at Aodhan Consultancy Ltd (greg.quinn@aodhaninc.co.uk) or Brett Jackson at Granitepr (brettjackson@granitepr.co.uk).