A few years ago, Guyanese businesswoman Kathy Smith flew to Houston, Texas, for the Offshore Technology Conference OTC) with a mission: find partners who could help grow her waterproofing and construction chemicals business.
Though the OTC is the world’s premier energy event, Smith wasn't there chasing oil and gas deals. Sure, Guyana’s reputation as an oil hotspot and the fastest-growing economy in the world brought some clout to Smith and the other Guyanese there. But some of the best in the business across sectors were in Houston too.
“People think it is only about oil, gas, and hydrocarbons, but when you come to OTC, and you see the thousands of exhibitors, you see people who are in construction chemicals, hotel brands, tourism, and the list goes on,” Smith said in an interview with Fueled on the sidelines of the 2026 OTC.
Indeed, Smith saw an opportunity to forge partnerships for her waterproofing and construction chemicals business. And when an international supplier visited the Guyana booth and struck up a conversation with her, it seemed like going to OTC was the right call.
Months later, she locked in a partnership that still holds today.
“I had to get my lawyers to look at the contract. Despite being excited to get into business with an international player, I wanted to ensure that I was benefiting also,” Smith recalled.
Because of her experience, Smith knows what OTC is worth. Now, as President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), she's making it her business to ensure other Guyanese entrepreneurs benefit too.
If you want to grow your business, she contends, entrepreneurs can’t only engage the Guyana market. And they can’t only rely on what they’ve figured out on their own. Partnership, Smith stresses, is important now more than ever.
She also highlighted that Guyana’s Local Content law is a good incentive for foreigners to partner with local companies to get a footprint in the Guyanese economy.
The GCCI partnered with the Guyana Office for Investment (GO Invest), and together, they have been pushing Guyanese businesses at OTC. For Smith, entrepreneurs must capitalise on the conference.
“When you look at the (Guyana )booth, it is packed with visitors every single day.
“(A partnership) might not materialise right away, but I am a product of seeing it happen months after, after doing due diligence,” the businesswoman said.
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
