China praises Guyana for food security leadership within Caricom

– as Pres Ali makes agricultural presentation during Heads of Govt meeting

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday held discussions with China’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hua Chunying, during which the President assured the diplomat that China remains a long-term strategic partner, and Guyana came in for high praise on its leadership in food security.
The discussions were held on the sidelines of the Caribbean Community’s (Caricom) 45th Regular Heads of Government meeting at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (T&T).
According to a statement from the Office of the President, during the talks, the Chinese official congratulated President Ali on Guyana’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Last month, the news emerged that Guyana was voted in as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2024-2025. The UNSC is one of six main organs established by the United Nations Charter. The council is given primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
Also discussed during their meeting was the dynamic lead role Guyana has taken on, when it comes to spearheading the country and Region’s food security drive. This is even as Guyana currently chairs the Caricom Special Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security, through Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha. As such, Guyana has been spearheading efforts to slash Caricom’s US$5 billion food importation bill.
“She also lauded Guyana’s climate mitigation efforts. President Ali said China remains a long-term strategic partner of Guyana and is active in the development thrust of the country. The Head of State is expected to make an official State Visit to China at the end of July,” the Office of the President said.

Presentation
Meanwhile, President Ali as the Lead Head of Government for agriculture in Caricom, on Tuesday made a presentation at the plenary session of the 45th Conference of Caricom Heads of Government in Port of Spain.
The presentation was themed, “Advancing the Caricom Agri-Food System Agenda – Prioritising Regional Food and Nutrition Security”. Also provided was an update on the progress made towards regional food security.
Among the accomplishments is the cultivation of 1284 acres of corn which was cultivated for the 1st crop and 1000 acres of soya bean, which were all planted in the first quarter of 2023. Additionally, Guyana constructed 25 shade houses during the first quarter and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was developed between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.
Last year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), with the two countries agreeing to work with each other in eradicating trade non-tariff barriers, as well as in the areas of infrastructure development and transportation.
The signed copies of the MoU were exchanged at State House between Foreign Ministers Hugh Todd and Dr Amery Browne of T&T, while President Dr Irfaan Ali and Trinidadian Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley bore witness to the occasion.
Among the resolutions contained in the MoU, is for the two parties to work assiduously on the removal of barriers to the trade of agricultural products throughout the Region. This includes phytosanitary standards.
According to the MoU, “the Parties agree to work with each other in the areas of trade and investment, agriculture and food security, security, energy, and infrastructure, and other areas as may be determined, with the aim of developing a strategic cooperation partner for the mutual benefit of their respective countries and the wider Caribbean Community.”
It went on to state that non-tariff barriers and “other impediments to the flow of goods and services between them”, as well as promoting cooperation in the areas of sports, culture, tourism and education, will be pursued under the MoU.
It was also announced that a high-level bilateral commission would be established to overlook the implementation of the agreement. The commission will include high-level members of the Government and private sector. (G-3)