Guyana and Turkey are set to deepen bilateral ties with a focus on collaboration in the manufacturing and biomedicine sectors, as both countries look to leverage their respective strengths to drive economic growth and innovation.
During a recent diplomatic engagement, President Dr. Irfaan Ali welcomed Turkey’s Non-Resident Ambassador, HE Bengü Yiğitgüden, and highlighted Guyana’s interest in tapping into Turkey’s advanced technological capabilities and dynamic manufacturing sector. President Ali specifically called for Turkish support in building Guyana’s manufacturing industry, noting that Turkey’s robust ecosystem—featuring over 80 technoparks and thousands of companies engaged in research and development—offers valuable opportunities for knowledge transfer and joint ventures1.
This move comes as Guyana positions itself to become a regional manufacturing hub, buoyed by major infrastructure investments and the anticipated reduction in energy costs once the Gas-to-Energy Project becomes operational. The government’s strategy includes fostering partnerships with international players to modernize its industrial base and expand access to regional and global markets.
In the biomedicine sphere, Turkey’s burgeoning biotechnology sector, exemplified by companies like Yerlika Biopharma, is seen as a model for Guyana’s ambitions. Yerlika’s expertise in biopharmaceutical manufacturing—including biosimilars, monoclonal antibodies, gene therapies, and vaccines—demonstrates how strategic investment, research, and regulatory excellence can drive innovation and self-sufficiency in healthcare. Turkey’s approach to localizing production and reducing reliance on imports aligns with Guyana’s goal to strengthen its own pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities4.
Guyana is already advancing its healthcare sector through initiatives such as the Pharmaceutical Equity for Global Public Health, launched with support from international partners to promote local production of essential medicines and vaccines. These efforts are designed to ensure equitable access, build resilience, and foster technology transfer and regulatory cooperation5.
Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara) is being positioned as the industrial capital of Guyana, with government investments in infrastructure, access to financing, and a focus on supporting commercial and industrial expansion. President Ali underscored the region’s strategic advantages, including its proximity to key markets and resource-rich environment, making it an ideal location for new manufacturing and biomedical ventures3.
As Guyana and Turkey move forward, both governments are expected to facilitate business-to-business connections, sector-focused seminars, and knowledge-sharing missions to lay the groundwork for sustainable partnerships. The collaboration is anticipated to boost economic diversification, create high-value jobs, and enhance both countries’ positions in the global manufacturing and biomedical industries.
