By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
The Third Edition of the International Business Conference (IBC) officially opened on Tuesday at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown. The event began with opening remarks from Dr. Vishnu Doerga, Chairman of the Suriname–Guyana Chamber of Commerce, who underscored the conference’s purpose as a platform for investment, innovation, and regional collaboration.
Addressing an audience of diplomats, international delegates, and business leaders, Dr. Doerga highlighted Guyana’s accelerating economic growth and urged participants to seize emerging opportunities. He emphasized the conference’s theme, “Bridging Businesses for Regional Prosperity,” as a call to strengthen partnerships that fuel sustainable development across the region.
Dr. Doerga also commended Her Excellency Liselle Blankendal, Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, for her role in advancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two nations.
The conference’s keynote speaker, internationally acclaimed business strategist Kaplan Mobray, delivered a masterclass on leadership and success, encouraging entrepreneurs to adopt a mindset of resilience and purpose.
“Be the one who declares, ‘I can achieve this,’” Mobray urged. “Your actions, not your doubts, will define your significance.”
He further emphasized that growth requires more than ambition — it demands consistency and collaboration.
“Great brands set the standards that shape investment, trust, and opportunity,” he noted. “Growth isn’t just possible; it’s a commitment.”
Following the keynote, a panel discussion on regional partnerships brought together distinguished diplomats, including Dr. Amit Telang (India), Her Excellency Jane Miller (UK), His Excellency Sébastien Sigouin (Canada), and His Excellency Mauricio Vizcaíno Crespo (Mexico), under the moderation of Ambassador Blankendal.
The panel focused on renewable energy, healthcare, science and technology, tourism, and trade, with Canada’s High Commissioner highlighting cross-border integration as key to strengthening foreign relations and regional market stability.
The International Business Conference continues to serve as a hub for global investment and partnership, fostering collaboration among local, regional, and international stakeholders to drive prosperity across the Caribbean and South America.
The three-day conference concludes on Thursday, October 16.
