Guyana-China relations greatly advanced during outgoing Ambassador’s tenure – President Granger

Georgetown, Guyana – (November 23, 2016)

President David Granger was today paid a farewell courtesy called by outgoing Chinese Ambassador, Mr. Zhang Limin who said that Guyana is well-positioned to for greater prosperity in the future as a result of the Government’s emphasis on infrastructural and green development coupled with the recent discovery of oil. The Ambassador thanked the Head of State for his continuous support for the work of the Embassy and spoke fondly of the deep connection he has developed with Guyana and its people over the past four years.

President David Granger and China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Zhang Limin at the Ministry of the Presidency

During their meeting at the Ministry of the Presidency, President David Granger said that work done by Ambassador Limin has left a solid foundation for his successor to build on with regard to the strengthening of diplomatic relations between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the People’s Republic of China.

He said that the relationship between the two countries is not only long-standing but also firmly based on principle, mutual respect and cooperation. “The Ambassador, during his four years in Guyana, has been able to advance that cooperation and over the last 18 months that I have been President, we have been able to further strengthen our relationship… He [the Ambassador] has earned the respect and appreciation of the Guyanese people,” he said.

Over the years, Guyana has seen tangible benefits in a number of areas, particularly health, infrastructure and information technology. The most recent projects include the Smart Guyana Project by Hauwei Technologies and a multi-million dollar contract with China’s Exim Bank for the construction of roads in West Demerara for which a concessional road agreement is slated to be signed later today. Additionally, the Ambassador has joined the President’s push towards ensuring that every child is able to get to school by providing bicycles to the tune of $2.4M to students in need of transportation. In keeping with the Government’s ‘green agenda’, garbage receptacles have also been donated to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.

Ambassador Limin was accredited in December 2012. His successor is expected to present his Letters of Credence in January 2017.