Guyana, Japan discuss deeper trade, investment cooperation

Guyana and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to stregthening bilateral cooperation, with discussions focusing on investment, climate change, technical cooperation and security.

Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud met on Wednesday with Japan’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Iwao Horri at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on South Road, Georgetown.

Horri was accompanied by Japan’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Guyana, Dr Akima Umezawa, and other Japanese officials.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed several issues on the bilateral and multilateral agenda, including political and technical cooperation, investment, climate change and peace and security.

According to a release from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Minister Horri praised Guyana’s economic growth.

He noted that it has attracted increased Japanese investment, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

The minister also pointed to the rise in high-level exchanges between the two nations and the expansion of Japan’s support for technical cooperation projects across the Caribbean Community.

Foreign Secretary Persaud, meanwhile, described Japan as a consistent and reliable development partner, highlighting its support for projects in disaster management, energy, climate change, water and sanitation.

Among the initiatives highlighted was funding received from the Japan International Cooperation Agency earlier this year for the construction of the Diamond Water Treatment Plant.

Persaud said Japan’s support complements Guyana’s broader development priorities under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030

He also identified greater opportunities for private-sector cooperation, particularly in expanding trade and investment between the two countries.

Guyana and Japan are preparing to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, which both officials said will provide an opportunity to develop a strategic vision for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the years ahead. [DPI]