American companies show interest in investing in Guyana, but US Ambassador Nicole Theriot says projects are often held back by challenges in finding and working with reliable local partners. Speaking at a panel discussion hosted by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), she says investors are deterred less by a lack of interest than by difficulty meeting international requirements for consistent output.
Across outlets, Theriot highlights that US firms struggle to source locally when manufacturers cannot reliably maintain quality control, follow safety practices, and scale production as demand grows. Some reports also point to broader operating constraints that affect investment decisions, including high energy costs, an onerous or unpredictable tax regime, and limited land accessibility. The ambassador frames these factors as reasons US companies sometimes continue importing goods and services instead of sourcing domestically, even when local suppliers are available.
The outlets agree the key issue is “execution”—whether Guyanese suppliers can demonstrate they meet global standards and deliver products on time at the required quality, which would make local firms stronger candidates for cross-border partnerships.
