China-Guyana, relations have entered a “fast track” of development – Ambassador

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Yang Yang has made it clear that China–Guyana relations have entered a “fast track” of development, highlighting sharp growth in bilateral trade, major infrastructure projects and expanding people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Last Friday, the Chinese Embassy in Guyana hosted the 2026 Chinese Spring Festival reception. Addressing the gathering, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang said that despite the geographical distance between the two countries, China and Guyana have developed a strong and enduring partnership. “Although China and Guyana are separated by vast oceans, we have become good friends sharing weal and woe, valuable partners in close cooperation and brothers bound by blood.

Under the strategic guidance of our two Presidents, China–Guyana relations have entered a ‘fast track’ of development,” she said. Highlighting the strength of bilateral cooperation, the Ambassador noted that in 2025, trade between China and Guyana reached nearly US$2.9 billion—more than double the figure recorded in the previous year. She also pointed to the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, constructed by a Chinese company, describing it as a “Bridge of Friendship and Development” that has eased daily life for citizens while promoting regional development. Ambassador Yang further cited the six regional hospitals built by Chinese enterprises, all of which are now operational, as a hallmark of the two countries’ joint efforts to build a “Health Silk Road.” She also praised the contribution of Chinese medical teams in Guyana, noting that over the past year they have saved countless lives through compassion and professional care, earning the respect and recognition of the Guyanese people. In addition, people-to-people exchanges have continued to grow, with more than 200 Guyanese from the public sector, business community, healthcare and other fields traveling to China for training programmes and returning home to contribute to national development. Looking ahead, Ambassador Yang said China-Guyana relations are poised for an even more promising future. She noted that the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China not only outlines China’s economic and social development over the next five years but also presents significant opportunities for countries worldwide, including Guyana.
She said China stands ready to work with Guyana to implement the important consensus reached by the two Presidents, follow the guidance of China’s Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and advance cooperation under five key programmes—solidarity, development, civilisation, peace and people-to-people connectivity. These efforts, she added, will help translate strong trade growth into high-quality projects that benefit both nations while strengthening infrastructure connectivity and cultural ties. She noted that over the past year, China’s modernisation drive achieved major milestones, with the economy demonstrating strong resilience amid global economic challenges. In 2025, China’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5 per cent, surpassing 140 trillion yuan for the first time. It was also stated that a more open China will continue to make new and greater contributions to the global economy. In September 2025, President Xi Jinping introduced the Global Governance Initiative, which she said contributes Chinese perspectives to the reform and improvement of the global governance system. Guyana’s Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips, performing the functions of President of Guyana, also addressed the reception.
Phillips said that, “Guyana takes great pride in its Chinese community, which has flourished since their arrival on our shores on January 12, 1853, marking 173 years of remarkable growth and development. Our Chinese brothers and sisters have contributed significantly to Guyana’s social, cultural and economic fabric. We have seen how dedicated, persistent and entrepreneurial they are, and how these traits have helped shape our business sector, especially in trade, retail and business development.” According to PM Phillips, this festive occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on the strong ties of friendship and partnership that persist between Guyana and China. He noted that the two countries have built a robust and dynamic partnership over the years, based on mutual respect and shared vision and interests for growth and development, both at the individual and national levels.