Guyana is open for business – Min. Benn tells French delegation

Guyana is open for business and welcomes investors seeking opportunities in its rapidly expanding economy, according to Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn who highlighted the country’s growing investment potential, modern urban development vision and opportunities for international partnerships during the opening of the Guyana Exploratory Mission at Duke Lodge, Georgetown on Tuesday.

The Minister addressed the delegation at the invitation of Ambassador of France to Guyana, His Excellency Olivier Plançon. The event brought together representatives from mainland France and French territories, along with other officials, including John Edghill, Senior Director of Investment at the Guyana Office for Investment.

Minister Benn noted that the construction sector remains a major contributor to national development, recording 24.7 per cent growth during the first half of 2026, with projections indicating that this could exceed 27 per cent by year-end. She pointed to the Government’s 2020–2025 housing programme, during which more than 53,000 house lots were allocated and approximately 3,000 homes constructed, with particular emphasis on expanding access for low- and moderate-income families, young people and women.

Persons between the ages of 21 and 35 accounted for 54 per cent of allocations, while 46.93 per cent went to women and a further 23.57 per cent were jointly held.

Building on this progress, the Government has developed more than 100 new housing areas since 2020, with a focus on modern planning, improved infrastructure and sustainable communities.

The Minister identified Silica City as an example of the country’s urban development vision, which incorporates smart city principles and climate-resilient designs. She also highlighted the incoming Canal City development, which forms part of a broader vision, in collaboration with The King’s Foundation, to integrate modern urban living with nature, heritage and wellness.

As development expands, Minister Benn highlighted the importance of efficient regulatory systems in creating a more investor-friendly environment. She pointed to the Ministry’s online Single Window System, which is modernising planning and building approval processes by improving transparency and reducing delays for developers. She also underscored ongoing efforts to strengthen building codes, planning regulations and inspection procedures to ensure that all construction meets high standards of safety and durability.

Against this backdrop, Minister Benn highlighted the potential for greater collaboration between local and international businesses, particularly in meeting the growing demand for housing and financial services.

“Given the demand for housing, there are opportunities for public-private partnerships and joint ventures. […] Guyana is fertile ground for banks, financial institutions and fintech innovators,” the Minister said.

Beyond housing and construction, the Minister drew attention to Guyana’s wider economic performance, noting that prudent fiscal management and continued investment are strengthening the country’s position as an attractive destination for business.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its 2026 Article IV report, recognised Guyana as the only country among the 37 in the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative to have attained high-income status. Public debt stood at approximately 29 per cent of Gross Domestic Product at the end of 2025, among the lowest ratios in the Western Hemisphere, while a joint IMF-World Bank assessment placed the country at low risk of both external and overall debt distress. She further noted that the growth in Guyana’s oil economy increased by 33.3% for the first half of 2026 and the non-oil economy by the 10.1%.

“Our government’s door is open. My Ministry’s door is open,” affirmed Minister Benn. She added, “to all of you here visiting from France and French Guiana, you will not simply be welcomed as investors. You will be welcomed as partners in a national story.”

She reaffirmed that continued investment in housing, infrastructure and economic diversification is positioning Guyana for sustained growth while creating an enabling environment for new business partnerships. The Guyana Exploratory Mission, organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of French Guiana (CCI de Guyane) through Team France Export Antilles-Guyane, brings representatives from French territories to Guyana from November 10, 2026, to explore business opportunities, meet local partners and strengthen economic ties. (Ministry of Housing)