Chinese entrepreneurship helps shape Guyana’s business sector – PM Phillips

…as China ushers in Year of the Fire Horse

As the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Georgetown commemorates the Chinese Spring Festival and the Lunar New Year on February 17, 2026, marking the start of the Year of the Fire Horse, Prime Minister (PM) Mark Phillips has reflected on the enduring strength, resilience, and values of the Chinese community and their significant contribution to Guyana’s national development, particularly in shaping the country’s business sector.
“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,” PM Phillips said during a reception hosted by the embassy on Friday night.

Cultural Traditions
At Friday night’s reception, PM Phillips noted that Chinese festivals, food, and cultural traditions have added vibrancy and diversity to Guyana’s multicultural society, adding that “we deeply appreciate the values of family unity, respect for tradition, and the spirit of understanding and harmony that the Chinese community has helped to strengthen nationally.”
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.

“Our cooperation in the sectors of infrastructure, trade, health, agriculture, and education has borne tangible mutual benefits. Our joint efforts have made Guyana’s transport systems better, our healthcare facilities better, our educational opportunities better, and our cultural exchange better. We have recently signed agreements to promote green development. This demonstrates our mutual commitment to making the world more sustainable and to building economies that are resilient to climate change, while partnering to contribute to the battle of combatting climate change. China has been a reliable partner through our times of need, whether it was tackling health challenges or disaster response, and for this, Guyana remains deeply grateful,” PM Phillips said.

As the partnership continues to evolve and grow, the PM emphasised that Guyana will continue to engage in investment opportunities from China.
He added that “as we continue to engage in areas of mutual interest, Guyana reiterates its unwavering support for the One China Policy.”
“At the same time, China’s respect for the rule of international law supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nation states within the international system. In a time when democracy and respect for the rule of law face increasing challenges, it is essential that we stand together to safeguard these fundamental principles and foster mutual respect on the global stage,” the PM also expressed.
Moreover, he emphasised that in a globally competitive environment, Guyana and China must capitalise on those opportunities for growth, innovation and prosperity that will provide a brighter future for the generations to come.
“May the bonds of friendship between Guyana and China continue to strengthen and flourish,” Phillips expressed.

Guyana-China trade
Reports indicate that bilateral trade between Guyana and China has expanded significantly in recent years, reaching an all-time high of approximately US$1.4 billion in 2024.
President Dr Irfaan Ali previously praised China for significantly contributing to the development and expansion of Guyana’s economy over the decades. He had also previously underscored the importance of Chinese nationals to Guyana’s development.
President Ali had 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 and partnership to advance mutual benefit and development,” the Head of State had emphasised.
Signature projects, including the New Demerara River Bridge, six regional hospitals, and the China-aided China-Guyana Friendship Joe Vieira Park, are considered 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, and engineers have undertaken professional and technical training in China, emerging as key participants, beneficiaries, and promoters of China-Guyana people-to-people exchanges.

Chinese businesses
Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Yang Yang has previously emphasised the importance of Chinese-owned businesses in Guyana operating in accordance with Guyanese laws and regulations and actively fulfilling corporate social responsibilities.
Following complaints from some sections of the local business community, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had said the Guyana Government is working towards stricter enforcement of local regulations among the Chinese businesses to create a level playing field.
To this end, the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown in late 2025 issued a statement reminding Chinese-owned and Chinese-operated shops of the need to apply for business licences and residence permits and open bank accounts and to conduct business activities within the scope permitted by the relevant law of Guyana.
“Standardise daily business practices. Strictly control product quality; do not sell expired, unidentified-origin or counterfeit goods. Strictly adhere to relevant laws; do not engage in money laundering, smuggling, commercial fraud, or similar activities. Strictly comply with tax regulations; invoice customers accurately and pay taxes regularly; contribute social insurance for employees legally,” the embassy had also outlined.