The United States is seeking to deepen its long-term economic partnership with Guyana, with US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg describing the country as a trusted partner amid global shifts in trade and technology.
Helberg is on his first visit to South America from May 12 to 14 for continued discussions on the US–Guyana economic partnership and support for Guyana’s economic transformation.
Speaking at a press round table on Wednesday, he said talks with President Irfaan Ali focused heavily on modernisation, technology and artificial intelligence (AI), framing the global AI shift as a major opportunity for economic development.
The US official said both sides are expected to continue cooperation across infrastructure, energy, data centres, agriculture, transportation and technology development initiatives.
“President Ali is totally committed to ensuring that Guyana plays an important part in that technological revolution,” he said.
Helberg also said the United States is reassessing global trade relationships and identifying trusted long-term economic partners.
“We are currently recalibrating our trading relationships and making very affirmative, deliberate decisions on who our most trusted partners are going to be,” he said.
He added that Washington and Georgetown are exploring expanded cooperation in minerals, logistics, energy and tourism as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and investment opportunities.
He said discussions on minerals centred on bauxite, noting existing investments and known reserves, and added that both sides also discussed surveying additional land for potential mineral deposits.
Helberg outlined agrotech and cleantech as key sectors for future cooperation.
He also pointed to Guyana’s geographic position as a potential trade and transport hub linking South America and the Caribbean through advanced technologies.
“We really view [logistics] as a very promising sector, connecting South America to the Caribbean Ocean through Guyana and making Guyana a logistical corridor using AI technology and automation,” Helberg stated.
He also highlighted Guyana’s tourism potential, citing its “megafauna and natural attributes” as untapped opportunities for growth.
