“We’re not just cheering you on, we’re very proud to be your partner” – US EXIM Chair

…deepens Guyana partnership, backs GTE-2, deepwater port, housing projects

President Irfaan Ali on Monday said the United States Export-Import Bank (US EXIM) has reaffirmed its commitment to Guyana’s development agenda, with discussions in New York focusing on the completion and financing of major energy, infrastructure and housing projects.

Ali made the disclosure following a working meeting with US EXIM Bank Chair John Jovanovic, during which the two sides reviewed a portfolio of existing and proposed projects. The discussions included the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project, the proposed second phase of the initiative, the planned deepwater port, affordable housing, security, the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) and the Lethem Airport Project.

Ali said the meeting demonstrated the strengthening relationship between Guyana and US EXIM, while noting that the bank was prepared to work with Guyana and other international stakeholders to find solutions for existing projects and advance new investments.

“Today [Monday] we had another important meeting with US EXIM. I want to thank John and the entire team from US EXIM for the strong commitment and the strengthening of our relationship,” Ali said.

He said that US EXIM had demonstrated its commitment to what he described as Guyana’s “transformative agenda” and to being involved in major projects ahead. A key area of discussion was the GtE initiative. Ali said the two sides discussed completing GtE-1 and securing financing for GtE-2, with US EXIM committing to be part of the financing arrangements.

“Deeply committed”

Jovanovic said the bank was “deeply committed” to ensuring that GtE-1 is completed and that GtE-2 is brought forward. “The vision that you have for transforming, industrialising Guyana all depends on reliable base electricity and power generation, and so we want to ensure that, that serves as a foundational backbone,” Jovanovic said.

The proposed deepwater port was also among the projects discussed. Ali said he was pleased with the outcome of the meeting and US EXIM’s willingness to participate in a structure that would facilitate investment in the port. “I’m very happy at the outcome of our meeting that EXIM would be part of a structure that would see the investment in this port,” Ali said.

He added that US EXIM’s support and investment in Guyana was expanding beyond the energy sector into housing, security and other areas of national interest. The President also said the meeting addressed the proposed AFHP, including opportunities for US companies, as well as the development of the Lethem Airport. US EXIM, he said, was honoured to be part of a group of international partners supporting Guyana’s infrastructure development.

“Likewise, some of the more transformative projects that you have in mind, via the Deepwater Port and other critical infrastructure, we’re honoured to be a part of a broad-based group of other like-minded international actors who want to see you succeed,” he said.

Affordable housing

The bank’s involvement in affordable housing was also highlighted. He said US EXIM was advancing an Affordable Housing Construction Project in partnership with US companies and businesses, pointing to the importance of ensuring that the benefits of international partnerships reach ordinary Guyanese. “Every time I’m with President Ali, he always talks about the everyday Guyana and how they can benefit from these partnerships,” Jovanovic said. He said the housing project was intended to involve US companies and businesses, adding that US EXIM viewed America as a long-term strategic partner to Guyana.

Catalyst for stability

Jovanovic also linked the partnership with Guyana to US President Donald Trump’s stated commitment to peace, prosperity and stability in the Western Hemisphere. “This partnership we have with Guyana is of critical importance,” Jovanovic said.

“President Ali, your success is Guyana’s success in this regard, and Guyana’s success is our success in terms of bringing about peace, prosperity, stability throughout the Western Hemisphere.” Guyana, he added, could serve as a catalyst for stability in the region. Ali said the discussions were the result of work undertaken by both teams over recent months and expressed appreciation for US EXIM’s continued engagement.

“We look forward for a strong partnership, and I want to thank your team and our team for the work that they have been doing over the last couple of months to bring us to this position,” Ali said. Jovanovic, in response, credited Ali’s continued engagement with US EXIM.

“Well, it’s your tireless efforts, your tireless work,” he said, adding that there were “very few weekends” when he did not receive a call from the President on an issue. He also commended the Guyanese team for its commitment to implementing the President’s development agenda. “We’re not just cheering you on, we’re very proud to be your partner,” Jovanovic said.