Government will work more closely with China towards a healthier and mutually beneficial trade relationship and will continue to encourage higher levels of investments from both sides, Prime Minister Sam Hinds said last evening.
The PM, who is performing the duties of President, was speaking at a reception at the Chinese Embassy to celebrate the 63rd Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Hinds said Guyana also looks forward to collaborating with China on issues and concern to both countries including food security and climate change and lauded the successful ventures between the two countries, a GINA release said.
He commended Ambassador Yu Wenzhe on his role during his tenure here. GINA said that the emissary was unlikely to be here for China’s 64th anniversary.
The ambassador in turn, praised the relationship between Guyana and China. “China has always regarded Guyana as good friend and a reliable partner,” GINA quoted him as saying, adding that he described the relationship between the two countries as “smooth, sound and special”.
The ambassador referred to the fact that this year had seen the arrival of the tenth batch of Chinese medical experts and the departure of eight Guyanese students to China on scholarships.
He also extolled the remarkable achievements of China over the past 63 years adding that in the last 34 years there has been reform and opening up in the country. China has been able to maintain an average GDP growth of about 10 percent over the past three decades and now stand as the second largest economy, he stated.
The 40 years of diplomatic relations have been beneficial to both countries, GINA noted. Recent benefits to Guyana include the One Laptop per Family initiative, training of Guyana Defence Force air corps pilots and engineers, the donation of two new roll-on/roll-off ferries and millions of dollars in aid, GINA added.
The reception was attended by, among others, government functionaries and members of the diplomatic corps.
