OTC 2026: President Ali leads Guyanese delegation, visit to oil refinery planned
Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, will lead a delegation of about 100 officials and private sector players at this year’s Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, as interest in the country’s energy sector continues to grow.
Importantly, the President is also the keynote speaker for the opening ceremony of the conference.
In an interview with Fueled, the President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kathy Smith, said members of the local private sector have enjoyed sound networking and partnership opportunities while participating in OTC each year. This year, she expects that to continue, but believes that the presence of President Ali will be even more beneficial to all involved.
“This year, I think there is excitement for Guyana as a country (because) our President will be visiting OTC in his official capacity. What that says to us as the local private sector is that Guyana is being seen and being recognised,” Smith explained.
So what is the OTC? And what usually happens there?
The Offshore Technology Conference is the world’s premier energy event, featuring conferences and exhibitions that allow energy professionals to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and even solidify investments. And it’s held at the NRG Park in Houston, the American city widely considered the energy capital of the world.
Over the last few years, Guyanese stakeholders have capitalised on the event, be it through new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) or connecting with partners for investments here. Smith emphasised that many of the business ventures that have unfolded at OTC have not just been for the oil and gas sector but also in other areas like agriculture, construction, and mining.
This year, the GCCI and the Guyana Office for Investment (GO Invest) will be facilitating more business-to-business meetings and key engagements during the conference, slated for May 4 to 7.
An exciting development this year, the GCCI President shared, is a planned visit to an oil refinery. That visit will allow Guyanese private sector players to understand the complexities of a refinery— from the labour required to the compliance needed to operate or service such a facility.
President Ali has repeatedly said that Guyana should have its own oil refinery to meet local demand. Earlier in April, he said the country is forging ahead with talks for this refinery— including with the President of the Dominican Republic and other stakeholders to “come up with a plan” to move the venture ahead.
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