King Charles III attended a business reception in Georgetown highlighting the growing trade and investment relationship between Guyana and the United Kingdom, with bilateral trade reaching approximately £2.2 billion in the four quarters ending March 2026.
Hosted by the British High Commission during the King’s state visit to Guyana, the reception brought together representatives of British and Guyanese businesses, private sector organisations and government officials to showcase commercial partnerships and opportunities for further investment.
A major focus was the development of a new arrivals terminal at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, being delivered by British company Mowlem with support from UK Export Finance (UKEF).
The project involves a 150,000-square-foot terminal representing an investment of approximately US$65.5 million. Designed to process 1,000 passengers per hour, with the capacity to expand to 1,500, the facility is expected to increase the airport’s annual passenger capacity to as many as 2.5 million.
The wider redevelopment will also separate arrivals and departures and introduce improved passenger-processing and baggage systems, alongside additional retail and lounge facilities.
During the reception, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, highlighted the United Kingdom’s decision to increase its country risk appetite for Guyana from £3 billion to £3.5 billion.
Singh also pointed to Guyana’s recent reclassification under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) country risk classification system, moving from Category 5 to Category 4, a development supported by the United Kingdom.
The reclassification is expected to improve Guyana’s access to international financing and strengthen its attractiveness as an investment destination.
The British High Commission said the increased financing support and commercial partnerships demonstrate the practical benefits of the relationship, bringing British expertise, financing and commercial capabilities to support Guyana’s development priorities while creating opportunities for businesses in both countries.
His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Latin America and the Caribbean, Amy Barklam, said the partnership was increasingly focused on delivering shared economic benefits.
“The UK-Guyana partnership is increasingly defined by delivery and shared ambition. British expertise and innovation are supporting Guyana’s priorities, while Guyana’s remarkable growth is creating new opportunities for UK businesses. These partnerships show what we can achieve together, building shared prosperity today and creating the platform for even greater ambition tomorrow.”
Chief Executive Officer of UK Export Finance, Tim Reid, said the increased financial support reflected the agency’s commitment to backing major infrastructure projects in Guyana while creating economic opportunities in the United Kingdom.
“UK Export Finance is proud to be deepening its relationship with Guyana. Increasing our country risk appetite to £3.5 billion reflects our commitment to backing ambitious infrastructure projects like the new terminal at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, while supporting growth and jobs back at home in the UK.”
Mowlem Director Phil Atkinson also announced that the major construction works phase of the airport’s Terminal 2 project would begin imminently.
“We are delighted to announced that the major construction works phase of the Terminal 2 project at Cheddi Jagan International Airport will commence imminently. Once completed Terminal 2 will stand as a powerful catalyst driving aviation sector development and supporting long-term economic growth across Guyana. As the contractor, we are fully committed to delivering this world-class infrastructure safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.”
Atkinson expressed appreciation to the governments of Guyana and the United Kingdom for their support and partnership in bringing the project to fruition.
Guyana is currently the United Kingdom’s largest trading partner in the Commonwealth Caribbean, with bilateral trade reaching approximately £2.2 billion in the four quarters to the end of the first quarter of 2026.
The growing commercial relationship has been supported by several developments in recent years. Visa-free travel to the United Kingdom for Guyanese visitors was introduced in November 2022, followed by the launch of British Airways flights between London and Georgetown in March 2023. The British Chamber of Commerce Guyana was also established in 2023 to strengthen trade, investment and business connections.
The British Government said it remained committed to expanding trade, investment and commercial partnerships with Guyana, creating further opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.
