PM lauds China’s support for Guyana – commits to deepening bilateral relations
GINA, GUYANA
Thursday, August 25, 2016
The coalition government is pleased with the relationship that has developed between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Guyana and remains committed to strengthening these ties.
“We have an open door, China is a friend, we want China to help Guyana, but we want Chinese and Chinese companies, because of their investment, they must have a fair return and they must be treated fairly, they must have an open playing field as everyone else would enjoy,” he said.
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo addressing guests at the reception for the most recent batch of Guyanese who completed training in China
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was at the time addressing those gathered at a reception last evening at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Mandela Avenue, Georgetown in recognition of the last batch of persons trained in the Asian country. A new batch will soon depart to undertake studies in China.
In addressing the business relationship between the two countries, the Prime Minister stated, “China has influenced many of the leaders and policies of this country so it’s not only simply a matter of developing diplomatic relationship which is more recent, but it was the influence of the Chinese over the years,” the Prime Minister stated.
Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Limin, through his interpreter said that China will continue to work with Guyana for its further development; however, he is concerned about the negative articles published in the media about Chinese businesses. The Ambassador suggested that only the facts of the matter be stated in the reports instead of speculations.
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, his wife Sita Nagamootoo, along with Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin and his wife at the reception for the most recent batch of Guyanese who completed training in China
Prime Minister Nagamootoo who is responsible for the information sector in Guyana stated that, “as it relates to the issues in the media giving coverage to Chinese companies in Guyana, I must say things are quite different now than it was in the past…there should be no selective treatment of Chinese companies in the same way there mustn’t be any unfair treatment in the media of any Chinese company.”
The Prime Minister explained that it is expected when companies come to Guyana including Chinese companies, they should provide employment for Guyanese, “we would expect them to deal and conform with the laws of Guyana.”
The First Vice President lauded China for supporting Guyana in the area of security and crime fighting.
A section of the guests at the reception for the most recent batch of Guyanese who completed training in China
“China helping to train our security personnel is a contribution by the People’s Republic of China in the security sector, not only in the Chinese peoples in Guyana, but all the people of our country, so that we can make our streets safer, and we can make our people secure in their homes and their economic activities,” he said.
Guyana and China’s relationship is more than forging bilateral relations. The Prime Minister has committed to the Chinese Ambassador that the Guyana Government will continue to work toward strengthening relations between the two countries.
Guyana and China enjoy 44 years of bilateral relations which were established on June 27, 1972.