President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, yesterday declared that his country is ready to finalise petroleum exploration agreements with the Government of Guyana as part of a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a Department of Public Information (DPI) release reported yesterday.
This announcement was made at the opening of the 2025 (4th) edition of the Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Kingston Georgetown. under the theme, “Connecting the Dots: Integrating the Future”, which aims to bring together policymakers, investors and major energy players to shape Guyana’s energy future.
It will run until February 21.
The release noted that in 2023, presidents Irfaan Ali and Abinader had engaged in discussions to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries and signed several agreements to advance cooperation in energy, food security, and workforce development.
“Following extensive studies and exchanges between our Commissions, the Dominican Republic is now ready to finalise agreements on the location of the Berbice Block, which will soon be completed with the Ministry of the Environment, hoping to replicate the successful story of your blessed nation” the Dominican Head-of-State pronounced.
A feasibility study for the establishment of a petrochemical fertiliser plant has been completed.
“Regarding the oil refinery, this represents a major financial and industrial decision that requires long-term strategic planning. To this end, we are analysing various alternatives which we will soon present to our Guyanese counterparts. In the coming months, we will meet to make the final decision,” President Abinader said.
According to DPI, the Dominican Institute for Technical and Vocational Training will operationalise a framework that will pave the way for training opportunities for technicians to support various industries. Abinader noted that this undertaking has been very successful in his country and posited that it will aid Guyana’s development trajectory.
In the area of agriculture, he disclosed that Dominican agribusiness entrepreneurs are exchanging projects with their Guyanese counterparts, leveraging technologies to establish enterprises to support crops in high demand.
“The goal is to leverage Guyana’s vast lands and enviable productive conditions, ensuring high yield profitability and achieving the food security that we all aspire for our countries.”
The president emphasised too, that the Dominican Republic and Guyana’s shared commitment to innovation, industrialisation, and economic sovereignty, aligns closely, thus paving the way for deeper cooperation.
“Your vision for Guyana aligns with our own. Our nation must not only supply raw materials but also play a central role in the industry that manufactures high-value technological goods.”
He acknowledged also, that the Dominican Republic Chamber of Commerce in Guyana, spurred by President Ali, has opened up opportunities for both nations, fostering mutual understanding and identifying investment opportunities that will open up a new chapter in the nation’s shared history.
He also emphasised his country’s unwavering support for Guyana’s national sovereignty, including protection of its exclusive economic zones.
“We recognise your commitment to democracy and social progress. Therefore, you have our support, that of the Dominican people, of the Americas, and the international community. The Dominican Republic will always stand as an ally and as a friend,” he asserted.
