President Irfaan Ali and United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick discussed expanding American investment in Guyana, including possible support for developing the country as a regional data-centre hub, during a meeting in Washington, DC, on Wednesday.
According to a statement from the Office of the President, the talks covered oil and gas exploration, infrastructure, agriculture, housing and technology.
The statement did not announce any signed agreements, identify prospective investors or disclose financing commitments or implementation schedules.
It said Lutnick reaffirmed the United States’ interest in continued investment in Guyana and recognised the country as a valued commercial partner in the Americas.
Ali and Lutnick explored opportunities for renewed oil and gas exploration, infrastructure development and improved connectivity, with the aim of positioning Guyana as a gateway for trade with the wider South American continent.
They also discussed using American expertise in agriculture and housing to create employment, strengthen food security and expand opportunities for Guyanese families, the statement said.
On technology, the discussions included possible US support for Guyana’s development as a regional data-centre hub and opportunities in artificial intelligence for local professionals and businesses.
The data-centre ambition predates Wednesday’s meeting. Stabroek News reported in October 2024 that Ali had proposed using Guyana’s energy resources to establish an artificial intelligence data centre powered by natural gas.
In November 2025, the newspaper also reported that digital data centres were among the projects being considered under the government’s plans to develop gas-based industries in Berbice, alongside gas processing, fertiliser production and other manufacturing.
Ali’s meeting with Lutnick took place on the same day he signed a defence declaration with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon.
That declaration provides for expanded military training, combined exercises with the Guyana Defence Force and support for monitoring Guyana’s airspace, adding a security component to the countries’ expanding relationship.
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