Cyber security agreement signed between Guyana, UAE

– as VP continues high-profile meetings with senior officials, investors

Guyana has, among other things, concluded a cyber security agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo continues to represent Guyana in the UAE and hold high-level meetings with officials and investors.

According to a statement, VP Jagdeo is currently in the UAE, engaging Government officials and investors. One such official was Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, who is a member of the ruling family of Dubai. It was explained that general matters of cooperation and investments were discussed during his meeting
The VP also engaged in discussions with Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation. During the discussions, a number of issues were placed on the agenda including strengthening the role and interest of the South in the global multilateral system and climate change negotiations.
Meanwhile, a bilateral Agreement on Cyber Security was formalised between Guyana and the UAE. Other high-level meetings were held with Dubai Ports (DP) World and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) on areas of mutual interest and cooperation.
“The Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo is accompanied by the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Minister Deodat Indar and National ICT Advisor Daryl Akeung. Further engagements will be held in UAE over the next few days,” a statement on the discussions concluded.
Shortly after the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had taken office in 2020, a high-level team from the Private Office of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, had visited Guyana to seek and discuss investment opportunities, and strengthen collaboration with Guyana.
The team, which included Patricio Balmaceda and Gaspar Lino, expressed an interest not only in the oil and gas sector but also in mining, forestry, and agriculture. As such, the team over the next few days will be meeting with other senior Government functionaries and stakeholders for a more informed assessment of their investment interests.
Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat during his engagement with the investors stated that Guyana is open for business and is hoping to diversify and strengthen the country’s traditional sectors.
He had pointed out that the Government will not depend solely on the country’s oil and gas resources. Further, the Natural Resources Minister outlined opportunities available within the mining and forestry sectors for development and value-added activities.
Last year, Guyana’s participation in the Dubai World Expo 2020 had resulted in an agreement being reached for a Guyana Trade Office to be set up in Dubai. This came about following a successful meeting between representatives of the Guyana Private Sector and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by its President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Hamad Buamim.
In a statement, Buamim had indicated that the Chamber is ready to facilitate a Guyana Trade Office in Dubai. He explained that the office would promote and expedite continuous investment and trade partnerships between the two countries.
During the meeting, the delegations discussed ways to connect businesses for trade, and business opportunities between countries and to increase the presence of Dubai’s Private Sector in the Region.
In the statement, Buamim also emphasised his Chamber’s desire to continue building relationships with fast-growing economies such as Guyana’s through private sector-led partnerships.
Prior to the meeting, the private sector delegation was told by President Irfaan Ali at a breakfast meeting to take advantage of the opportunities available and form themselves into consortiums.