ONE of the world’s richest men calling the leader of the fastest-growing economy!
What could be the interest here?
The official statement speaks in nebulous tones of Elon Musk examining opportunities in innovation, technology and other sectors in Guyana.
Nothing more has officially emerged, and no one has pressed for details.
But an entrepreneur worth US $251 billion does not get on the line for vague discussions with the head of a country whose Gross Domestic Product (GDP galloped by almost 50 per cent in a single year.
Musk, after all, is busy advancing his pioneering SpaceX and Tesla and moving his corporation’s headquarters from liberal California to the more conservative Texas.
He is spearheading developments in electric vehicles, creating a new vision for artificial intelligence, aspiring for further space achievement, seeking new product markets, and raising funds for Donald Trump.
He is an international powerhouse, with greater presence and influence than most world leaders.
So, what’s his interest in Guyana?
We can only speculate, and there are some obvious matters, such as a common interest in the abundant prospects for renewable energy.
Like President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the commerce tycoon says a clean energy future will be cheaper and more efficient.
Ever a big thinker, he is said to be planning to fuse renewable energy with artificial intelligence, in a project titled Omega.
Musk’s foray into India – whose annual GDP growth is seven per cent, more than double the world’s average – should provide clues of his expansion agenda.
In sessions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Indian leaders, he pressed several investment plans, including Starlink, the satellite internet constellation.
There is a Starlink presence in Mexico.
Musk is tapping into Mexico’s lithium to power vehicle batteries and other projects.
He could have similar plans for Guyana, with its mineral resources, strategic location, political stability, and increasing global importance.
Just days before, President Ali held virtual discussions with leading United States officials and there are strong Guyanese diplomatic ties with the western world.
Although there is uncertainty about the project, Musk has announced a US $3 billion Tesla electric vehicle plant in India.
China is courting Musk for the same venture and has cleared key regulatory hurdles.
He has spoken of his love for Indian culture and cuisine, much of which he will find in Guyana.
Musk is also considering investments in crypto-currencies, and has poured money into several public companies, including PayPal.
In May, he held talks with Argentina’s President Javier Milei, and this is expected to be followed by investments by Tesla, his clean energy company.
“I recommend investing in Argentina,” Musk said.
He also has investment ambitions in Brazil, especially with that country’s vast lithium and other mineral reserves.
He has expressed interest in buying mining operating in Latin America.
As an arch-conservative, he supports the ideological right-wing politics of this and other parts of the world.
Whatever you think of his domestic politics, Musk is a visionary and a technological innovator, and, like other trendsetters and leading lights, he is ahead of average business people and investors.
He has clearly tapped into Guyana’s vast potential and is eyeing the country as a base for current or emerging investments.
After the Musk-Ali phone call, there is excited interest – even fascination – in the next step.
