Centre for local business development in Georgetown

• Centre to assist Guyanese businesses to build their capacity and improve competitiveness
• Provides mentoring, coaching and access to financial support, as well as information on safety, technical standards and procurement opportunities
• Plays a key role in furthering the capabilities of local Guyanese businesses

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd, an affiliate of Exxon Mobil Corporation, announced today the establishment of the Centre for Local Business Development in Georgetown in collaboration with DAI Global, LLC.

The centre will assist small- and medium-sized Guyanese businesses with building their capacity and improving their competitiveness in a range of sectors that serve the oil and gas and other industries.

“The Centre for Local Business Development is an investment in the people of Guyana and the future of the country. ExxonMobil is proud to assist in the design and implementation of this important resource,” said Rod Henson, Country Manger of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana. “The centre will play a key role in furthering the capabilities of local businesses with which we are eager to partner.” 

The centre will focus primarily on developing local venders that serve key sectors of the oil and gas industry, including areas such as safety equipment, marine operations, offshore supply and civil construction. It will also provide mentoring, coaching and access to financial support.

“Local suppliers are important to the success of ExxonMobil’s operations,” said Henson. “Through the centre, we hope to strengthen the capabilities of these local companies, as well as improve the competitiveness of Guyana’s industrial base.”

The centre will be a reliable resource for information on safety, technical standards, procurement opportunities and project-specific information. ExxonMobil, its contractors, the broader oil and gas industry, and the government will be able to utilize the centre for sourcing local vendors and services. Following its opening in July, ExxonMobil will work with DAI Global over a three-year period to transition the centre to Guyanese management.

About Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd

ExxonMobil’s affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) has a branch office in Georgetown. EEPGL holds an interest and is the operator in the Stabroek, Canje and Kaieteur Blocks, offshore Guyana. In May 2015, ExxonMobil announced an oil and gas discovery in Guyana. This marks the first significant discovery for the country.

About DAI Global, LLC

DAI Global, LLC is an international development company working in 150 countries with 40 years of experience in implementing economic development programs. DAI’s clients have included government organizations, international institutions, and private companies.