Chinese nationals living & working in Guyana are important to our development – Pres. Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday evening underscored the importance of Chinese nationals to Guyana’s development.

He was at the time speaking during a reception held to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Guyana and China.

The President explained that his government is committed to building a One Guyana that demonstrates equity and opportunity for all.

Under this One Guyana initiative, he explained that “every person who contributes to our development regardless of nationality is welcomed and valued. Chinese nationals living and working in Guyana are therefore an important part of our national development thrust.”

The President also saluted the Chinese Government’s contribution to Guyana’s development, noting that the co-operation between the two countries span a broad spectrum including areas such as agriculture, education, infrastructure, health, security, sport, arts and culture, telecommunications, technology, trade, transport and private investments.

President Ali said as Guyana forges ahead with its transformative development and social agenda, China will remain a long-standing partner in that journey.

“We’re confident that as Guyana rises to new heights, China will be there offering friendship, partnership to advance mutual benefit and development,” the Head of State emphasised.

He also recognised China’s contribution to Guyana’s cultural identity.

“The Chinese community in Guyana has for over 170 years contributed significantly to our cultural diversity, our commerce and our national development. These enduring people-to-people connections have enriched our society and continue to serve as a bridge between our two nations,” he noted.

In 2024, bilateral trade between China and Guyana reached US$1.4 billion, up 14.3% year-on-year and nearly four times higher than in 2019.

China’s direct investment in Guyana also surged from US$256 million in 2019 to US$10.6 billion in 2024, representing a fortyfold increase.

Signature projects including the New Demerara River Bridge, six Regional Hospitals, and the China-aided China-Guyana Friendship Joe Vieira Park are poised to become iconic landmarks of the ever-growing China-Guyana friendship.

The Chinese Government has dispatched 20 medical teams to Guyana since 1993, providing healthcare to over 1,310,000 patients, treating more than 30,000 critically ill cases, and performing over 70,000 surgeries.

The Confucius Institute at the University of Guyana has played a vital role in cultivating local Chinese language talents and advancing China-Guyana cultural exchanges since its establishment in 2014.

Meanwhile, numerous Guyanese officials, doctors, entrepreneurs, journalists, policemen, engineers have undertaken professional and technical training in China, emerging as key participants, beneficiaries, and promoters of China-Guyana people-to-people exchanges.