Contracted Chinese companies employ over 2000 Guyanese – Ambassador

With some 20 Chinese companies contracted in Guyana and the creation of jobs for more than 2000 Guyanese, Chinese Ambassador Cui Jianchun has stated that Guyana has benefited from these and many other initiatives birthed from strong bilateral relations between the two countries over the years.
Ambassador Jianchun was at the time speaking at a reception held to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and Spring Festival on Wednesday evening. The event, which was held at the New Thriving Restaurant, Providence, East Bank Demerara, was a collaboration between the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese Association of Guyana.
During his remarks, the Chinese diplomat noted that this New Year is not just the Year of the Pig but a year of auspiciousness and happiness. He noted that the Chinese Lunar New Year is very traditional, which is all the more reason to celebrate it.
Reflecting on achievements of the Asian country over the years, Ambassador Jianchun posited that China continues to be a frontier nation in many spheres especially in health care, infrastructure and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
He noted that China continues to demonstrate, through concrete actions, its sincerity and resolve to build a global community with a bright future for everyone. On this note, he mentioned the role China has played in some of the major developmental projects in Guyana; such as the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project and the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
“China and Guyana inked a MoU of Cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, providing a solid platform for higher level of pragmatic cooperation between the two sides… Currently, there are more than 20 Chinese companies investing or engaged in various contractual projects in Guyana, providing more than 2000 jobs for the local people,” the Chinese Diplomat posited.
The Ambassador went on to highlight the various bilateral programmes from which Guyana has benefited and continues to benefit from. These include the Chinese Medical Brigade and scholarships. He added that some 183 Guyanese received training in China or locally during last year alone, with an additional 14 Government scholarships granted.
“I believe that the Government and people of Guyana are fully aware of the tangible benefits of China and Guyana friendship and diplomatic cooperation… This year marks the 47th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Guyana… It is my dream that we can elevate the mutually beneficial cooperation to a high level and bring more benefits to the people of the two countries,” Ambassador Cui asserted.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in brief remarks also lauded the fruitful bilateral relation the two countries have shared. He said the relationship between the two countries has reminded unbreakable and solid over the years.
Nagamootoo posited that Guyana is looking forward for the continuation of these relations with China which has seen Guyana benefiting in the areas of public service, health and security.
During Wednesday’s reception, which was attended by several Government Ministers, Opposition members, members of the diplomatic corps and business community among others, the gathering was entertained by several traditional Chinese performances.