A unique strategic opportunity for timber supply  sector companies from Guyana and  Suriname

The Global Gateway Investment Agenda (GGIA) for Guyana and Suriname invites established, export-ready enterprises from both countries to submit Expressions of Interest (EoI) to join upcoming European Forestry Business Mission designed to accelerate export diversification, enhance local value addition, and secure private investment in sustainable forestry value chain.

Participation represents a strategic opportunity to access the European market through a structured, three-tier commercial approach encompassing deal-ready opportunities, strategic partnerships, and market expansion networking.

Five high-potential companies from Guyana and five from Suriname will  be selected to join the mission scheduled for November 1 to 7, 2026, that will be anchored around the International Hardwood Conference in Antwerp, Belgium.  The European Union will sponsor the mission participants, covering essential costs including round-trip economy flights, intra-EU transportation, travel insurance, Schengen visa fees, and accommodation with per diems for up to seven nights.

Prior to departure, a specialized service provider will deliver targeted business coaching for the Guyanese companies, and prepare the matchmaking through refined company profiles, development of pitch decks, and aligning product materials with EU market requirements.

The mission schedule

The itinerary combines policy dialogue, tailored commercial matchmaking, and industry integration.

• November 1-2: Arrival, mission briefing, official launch, and Business-to-Government (B2G) meetings in Brussels (tbc).
• November 3-4: Tailored one-on-one business visits with qualified buyers, investors, and strategic partners across selected EU Member States.
• November 5: Technical study visit to the Port of Antwerp, followed by the EU-Guyana-Suriname Forestry Investment & Buyer Forum, featuring dedicated company pitch sessions and a B2B matchmaking dealroom.
• November 6: Full participation in the International Hardwood Conference sessions, focusing on market trends, sustainability, and EU regulatory frameworks.

Eligibility

To be considered:

• The enterprise must be a legally registered company operating actively within the forestry or wood-processing sector in Guyana or Suriname.
• The applicant must demonstrate full compliance with applicable national forestry legislation and regulations.
• The enterprise must have no outstanding major environmental or legal compliance issues.
• Applicants from Guyana must provide a formal commitment to participate in the mandatory investor and buyer matchmaking coaching facility.

Selection criteria

• To maximize the commercial relevance and impact of the mission, applications will be appraised across four core dimensions, weighted to prioritize sustainable, high-potential businesses (to be competed with Specific Scoring Criteria