China seen as important partner in Guyana’s energy equation – Ali

Welcoming investments and support from the People’s Republic of China, President Dr Irfaan Ali has positioned that the country is seen as an important piece in the puzzle of Guyana’s energy equation.
The Guyanese leader appeared virtually on the China Global Television Network’s Leaders’ Talk where he labelled China as an important partner for Guyana. In this regard, participation is encouraged as work unfolds to develop a robust energy platform for global benefit.
“We see China as an important part in the energy equation of our country. We continue to encourage China as we encourage every single one to participate fully in the public process, in the bidding process of this energy platform that we’re developing at a global scale,” President Ali underscored.

President Ali highlighted Government’s intention of pursuing a renewable energy pathway, and using gas as a transitional supplier for energy. He also mentioned the revised Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030. When asked where he sees China fitting into these plans, Ali reiterated that cooperation remains critical. “We don’t believe there is an immediate end to fossil fuel but we believe that we must pursue a path of renewable energy. Our forest stores 19.5 gigatons of carbon. It’s the size of England…We’re also working on a national gas masterplan because gas can be an important transitional supplier for energy.”
He added, “China has technology and resources from a capital and human resource perspective to fast-track and accelerate investment in greener energy provider, for example, hydropower and solar. What is a great problem of the developing world is the capital costs for some of these alternative energy solutions.
Sharing that Chinese businesses have been able to establish across the length and breadth of the country, the Head of State explained that it is because of an equal platform created for stakeholders. In the same regard, the Chinese business community has been integrated in the social framework of Guyana.
Ali reminded, “We are not only hosts to Chinese investment. We have people to people link. The Chinese are part of our country. They are part of the diversity of our country and the bloodline of our country. From a people and culture perspective, China is an equal part of Guyana because they make up the six peoples…We have always provided an equal platform. We have always provided a respectful platform in which their presence and investment must not only be welcomed but supported.”
In expanding production to one million barrels daily in a few years, Ali shared that world-class education and healthcare system; diversified agricultural systems; a robust housing programme; increased manufacturing capacity and lowered energy costs will be realised.
“We are going to have a situation by 2027 going onto 2028 where we will be closing in on maybe one million barrels per day. What that gives us now is the opportunity to build out the other sectors and make the other sectors more competitive.”
He also pointed out that while many speak of the oil curse, it is the prudent management of these resources that will see the benefits trickling down the right stream.
“The problem is never really a resource problem. The problem has always been the management of the resources and that is what is critical; ensuring that in the management of this resource, there is transparency and accountability and that the system enables the country to develop and widen its economic base…You must not go on a wild spending spree,” said Ali.
Meanwhile, the Guyanese Head of State positioned that Guyana stands by the One China principle, which is the position held by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) that there is only one sovereign state under the name China, with the PRC serving as the sole legitimate government of that China, and Taiwan is a part of China. This opposes the idea that there are two states holding the name “China”, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC); as well as the idea that China and Taiwan form two separate countries.
“We have made it very clear that we continue to respect the One China Policy. That is part of our policy agenda. This is our position internationally and we believe that the One China Policy is important not only for China but for the stability of the region. More importantly, we believe that the region itself, as we work in a global community, must find ways in which there are can be deeper partnerships and collaboration.” (G12)