Georgetown : The achievements of the People’s Republic of China, and the country’s bilateral relationship with Guyana were highlighted when the Chinese Embassy celebrated the founding of the country as it is known today.
At a reception last evening in observance of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (on October 1, 1949) at the Chinese Embassy, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of President, said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the relation has grown from strength to strength. Describing China as a good friend and partner, the Prime Minister said that Guyanese have benefited from the services of the Chinese Medical Brigade, in particular, whilst local infrastructural development continues apace with solid support from that country.
It was noted that the two countries’ political understanding has also been constantly promoted, and Prime Minister Hinds made reference to the visit in 2013 by China’s President Xi Jinping to Trinidad, where he met with President Donald Ramotar for discussions.
The attainment of Millennium Development Goal One, that is halving of poverty rates and meeting hunger goals, the prime minister said, was a considerable achievement especially considering that China has more than 20% of the world’s population. He added that China has also contributed, alone to over one third of the global GDP and now stands as a haven of economic stability.
“Indeed, China’s recent allocation towards the capitalisation of the New Development Bank, established by the BRICS countries in July 2014, and the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) to soften infrastructure deficits, attests to China’s commitment to a more just economic world order and South/ South cooperation”.
The dynamism of trade, which amounted to over US$180 million, between the two countries was also mentioned by the Prime Minister, who noted that Chinese companies have invested in infrastructure, forestry, mining and other sectors.
The recent opening of the Confucius Institute at the University of Guyana was further cited by Prime Minister Hinds as one which exemplifies the “commitment to strengthening future exchanges and mutual learning of Guyanese and Chinese cultures.”
In his address, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Limin noted that despite China having the second largest economy in the world, its per capita GDP is only ranked 80th. He also outlined his country’s plans to double its GDP of 2010, “and complete the building of a society of moderate prosperity in all respects by 2020”.
The relationship among China, Latin America and Caribbean countries is highly valued, the ambassador said, noting that President Xi Jinping has visited the area, twice, since he assumed office.
The recent announcement of the China- CELAC Forum has provided a mechanism of guarantee for the overall cooperation between his country and the rest of the region, he added.
“Today China has become the second largest trading partner and third largest source of investment of Latin America and the Caribbean. Our cooperation in energy and resources, infrastructure, finance, agriculture, manufacturing and high-tech has produced rich results for mutual benefits, giving a strong boost to economic growth and improvement in people’s well being on both sides”.
Ambassador Limin also took the opportunity to thank the Guyana Government for its assistance to Chinese investors. The recent visit of a high-level delegation from China promoting bilateral military exchanges, as well as the assistance of medical brigades and the scheduled visit from his country’s Health Minister, Li Bin and the Family Planning Commission of China, the ambassador said, will be “another drive to vigorous health cooperation” between the two countries.
Mention was also made of the work of the Confucius Institute which has already taught over 500 Guyanese to speak the Chinese language.
Approximately 34 Guyanese products are exported to China on a yearly basis, and in 2012, Guyana received two new roll-on/roll-off ferry vessels, and benefited from military air corps pilot and engineer training from China.
Laptops for the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) programme were supplied by the Chinese owned Haier Electrical Appliance Limited, and more recently, the Great Wall Computer Shenzhen Company Limited.
Chinese medical missions have also been visiting Guyana over the last 20 years to supplement health care services. The construction of the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) and a modern sugar factory at Skeldon are also tangible products of the Guyana/China partnership.
Guyana and China have been signing agreements to boost priority projects in the areas of transportation, health care, training and culture during the Eleventh Session for the Guyana/China Joint Commission on Economic Trade and Technical Cooperation.
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