-outgoing Ambassador
As she praised the relationship between China and Guyana, outgoing Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan, last evening announced that trade between Beijing and Georgetown had increased by 31 per cent and reached US$800 million for the first half of this year.
“Practical cooperation between China and Guyana has made significant progress. In the first half of this year, our bilateral trade reached $800 million, reflecting a 31 per cent year-on-year increase,” the Chinese Ambassador last evening told a farewell reception, held in her honour at the Pegasus Hotel and Corporate Suites.
As she reflected on her three-year tenure here, the Chinese envoy said that both sides have shown an unbreakable determination to advance their relations, which she grouped into three key areas.
“The first is confidence. The China-Guyana relationship is rooted in a profound historical and political foundation, enjoys the high regard of our two heads of state, and receives widespread support from the two peoples. Our friendship has stood the test of time and will remain unshaken by fleeting events or shifting global dynamics,” she said.
“The second is determination. Both China and Guyana adhere to people-centred development, with economies mutually complementary and opportunity-filled. China is committed to being a reliable partner in Guyana’s progress. Amid a world of turbulence and change, we stand firm with Guyana to uphold international fairness and justice, address global challenges such as climate change, food security and energy security, and jointly contribute to global peace and development,” she added.
For the third point in her reflection of the development of China/Guyana relations, she expressed, “The third is patience. During my time in Guyana, I have learned two local proverbs: ‘One, one dutty build dam’ and ‘slowly, slowly catch monkey.’”
To this country, the Chinese diplomat posited that the road ahead “will inevitably be filled with challenges, but I firmly believe that with patience, mutual trust, goodwill, and a shared commitment to progress, we will surmount any obstacles and achieve new triumphs.”
“Three years in Guyana is not too long, but enough for me to develop a deep affection for this beautiful country and its friendly people. I feel exceptionally fortunate to have been present during such a transformative era, witnessing the incredible development of Guyana and the landmark achievements in China-Guyana relations.”
The Ambassador noted that in her three years here, what resonated deeply was that a local official had told her that she wasn’t just a witness of Guyana’s development, but more like a participant in its remarkable chapter, words she has lived.
The Ambassador stated that she came to appreciate that Caribbean and Guyanese popular sport – cricket, and it was in using the annual Caribbean Premier League matches (CPL) Twenty20 cricket tournament initials that she summarised the progress of China-Guyana relations during her tenure.
In 2022 and her first year here, she said the keyword ‘C’ symbolised celebration. It is in that year that both sides commemorated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between them. During that year a host of events and celebrations were held.
With 2023 came the letter ‘P’, representing President Irfaan Ali’s visit to China. “The development of China-Guyana relations has greatly benefited from the attention and leadership of our two heads of state. President Ali’s historic visit to China marked a significant milestone, with the two leaders holding a cordial meeting in Chengdu. The two sides issued a Joint Statement, which provided strong guidance for building a closer China-Guyana community of shared future.”
It was in 2023 also that that the New Demerara Harbour Bridge and the Six Regional Hospital Projects respectively commenced construction. Exchanges between both sides also “flourished” last year, as she pointed to a number of exchange programs and visits.
When it came to this year, the letter ‘L’ represented the “leap forward in advancing China-Guyana relations.”
“People-to-people exchanges have achieved leapfrog development. The Speaker of the National Assembly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International cooperation, the Minister of Agriculture, the Minister of Housing and Water, the Minister of Natural Resources, and the Chief of Defence of Guyana all visited China, along with delegations from several Guyanese chambers of commerce. The delegations from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and Jiangsu Province also visited Guyana. And nearly 300 trainees participated in 21 bilateral and multilateral training programs, making a remarkable advancement compared with previous years,” the ambassador recalled.
She expressed thanks to President Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, the Guyanese government, the Parliament, political parties, the Defence Force, as well as the regions, towns and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.
Thanks was also given to the University of Guyana, the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, the media, chambers of commerce , the Chinese community in Guyana, the Chinese medical team, the Confucius Institute, Chinese enterprises, colleagues from diplomatic corps, her colleagues at the Embassy, friends from all sectors, and the Guyanese people.
‘No matter where I go, Guyana will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will remain committed to advancing China-Guyana relations,’ she said.
“…I wish both China and Guyana prosperity and strength, happiness and well-being for our peoples, and enduring friendship between our two countries,” she added.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips who is performing the functions of President given that President Irfaan Ali is currently in the United States on official duties, also reflected on Ambassador Guo’s tour of duty here underscoring the “remarkable transformation in the relationship between our two nations – a transformation marked by progress, collaboration and mutual respect.”
One China
Phillips also pointed to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Guyana and China, saying, “This golden jubilee not only provided an opportunity to reflect on half a century of friendship and cooperation, but also underscored Guyana’s continued support for the One China policy and set the stage for an even more robust partnership in the years to come.”
As a strategic ally, Phillips said that Guyana’s connection with China has significantly strengthened, and for this, the country expresses its profound gratitude.
“Under your stewardship, we have experienced a significant surge in trade between our nations. The volume of goods and services exchanged have created new avenues of prosperity and opportunities for both Guyanese and Chinese businesses. This economic synergy has not only bolstered our respective economies, but has also paved the way for a more interconnected and resilient future,” he said.
“The Belt and Road Initiative has proven to be a transformative global development strategy, fostering new opportunities for trade, investment, and infrastructure development between our countries. Through this initiative, Guyana has established itself as a key partner in this global endeavour, thereby elevating its strategic importance within the region,” he added.
However, Ambassador Guo’s efforts at diplomatic advancement extends, according to Phillips, beyond the commercial sphere.
“We have witnessed enhanced cooperation in various key sectors that are crucial for Guyana’s development. In the field of agriculture, Chinese expertise has helped modernise our farming practices, increasing yields and enhancing food security for our people. In infrastructure, Chinese investments and technical proficiency have contributed to the transformation of our landscape, with new roads, bridges, and buildings, standing and serving as testaments to our partnership,” he said.
The Chinese Ambassador was also China’s signatory to a Civil Air Transport Agreement, signed in 2022, Phillips noted, which marked a step forward in enhancing transportation links, promising to boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
“This exemplifies the forward-thinking approach that has been a hallmark of your leadership, laying the groundwork for increased connectivity and economic opportunities in the years to come. Other areas include education, where the cultural exchange programmes you have championed have opened new horizons for our youths. The scholarships granted to Guyanese students to study in China are expected to cultivate future leaders who will further strengthen our bilateral relations,” he said.
“In the critical area of healthcare, especially during these challenging times, China’s contributions of medical resources, equipment, and expertise has been invaluable. This support has greatly enhanced our ability to provide care for our citizens and combat global health crises.”
And while Guyana is now a petroleum producer, Phillips said that China’s help in renewable energy initiatives, with increasing cooperation in green technology, aligns with this country’s commitment to sustainable development. “The transfer of green technologies and knowledge from China is not only helping us build a more environmentally conscious nation but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for generations,” he stressed.
The Prime Minister assured the Chinese diplomat that even as she prepares for the next chapter in her career, she must know that “the legacy of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect will continue to strengthen the ties between Guyana and China.”
“The foundations you have helped establish will continue to support the growing partnership between Guyana and China for years to come,” he declared while thanking her on behalf of the government and citizens of Guyana.
