The Supplier Forum was designed to allow direct communication between Operators, Prime Contractors and local companies on upcoming opportunities in the O&G sector. The Stabroek Block coventurers knew that increased access to and knowledge of upcoming procurement and business opportunities were necessary for local businesses to better compete for contracts and new business. In light of this, the Guyana Supplier Forum was first held in Georgetown in 2018 with more than 1,200 persons from 750 local businesses, in attendance.

In 2022, ExxonMobil with support from the Centre brought the Supplier Forum to Region 3 due to the rapid expansion of the O&G sector which includes the Gas to Energy project in that region.

The Forum also opened its doors to the general public and recruitment agencies such as Excel Guyana, Guyson’s Recruitment, Leader Engineering Guyana, and Strategic Recruitment Solutions as a result of increased employment opportunities. These recruiting companies all actively presented their services to the local workers and communities during the Forum. These agencies were in a position to communicate with potential employees, discuss open positions, and collect resumes.

The opening saw speeches from Prime Minister Hon. Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, the President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Director of the Centre, and the Regional Chairman of Region 3, among others. Over the course of the two days, the Region 3 Forum saw over 3,000 individuals and 800+ businesses.