Guyana – China relations highlighted at China anniversary observance

– tangible impact of relationship evident in several sectors – PM Phillips
– traditional friendship between China and Guyana continues to
strengthen – Chinese Amb Yang

China continues to play a pivotal role in Guyana’s development, and according to Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, the tangible impact of this strong bilateral cooperation is evident across several key economic sectors in the country. PM Phillips made these remarks in the capacity of acting Head of State at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown on Friday evening at the Marriott Hotel to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China. “China, renowned for its leadership in infrastructure, developing new technologies, and sustainable development, remains a valued partner. The tangible impact of our current collaboration is evident in several sectors. As a consequence, we are working on projects in energy infrastructure, modernisation of agriculture, digital technologies, and in the promotion of sustainable development,” he noted.

According to the PM, China’s contribution specifically to Guyana’s infrastructural development is visible and exemplified by transformative projects such as the new Demerara River Bridge, which is not just a conduit to get from one place to another but represents a symbol of the bridging of friendship between the countries over several decades. Similar sentiments were shared by Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang, who also spoke of some major projects that the Chinese are executing here. With 53 years of diplomatic relations, she noted that the traditional friendship between China and Guyana continues to strengthen, while exchanges and cooperation across many fields are deepening and producing real results. “China encourages its enterprises to invest in Guyana, supporting industrial upgrading and improving the living standards of the Guyanese people. In a few days, the new Demerara River Bridge – built by China Railway Construction Corporation – will open to traffic. It will greatly facilitate local travel and boost regional economic development,” the Chinese diplomat stated. She added too that the Chinese companies that are carrying out high-quality projects here also shoulder social responsibilities, supporting vulnerable groups such as women, the elderly, and children through small but meaningful livelihood initiatives that energise local communities.

Ambassador Yang further outlined that the six regional hospitals recently constructed by Chinese companies are now fully operational, marking another milestone in the two nations’ medical cooperation. Moreover, only recently, the 21st medical team arrived in Guyana and will be deployed to provide key healthcare services to isolated communities across the country.
The previous mission served over 20 remote areas in Guyana, reaching over 3000 residents, of which more than 1,000 received diagnoses and treatment, earning widespread praise from the Guyanese people. Furthermore, dozens of Guyanese professionals have travelled to China for training in agriculture, healthcare, economic development, and financial cooperation. Just last month, six Guyanese students received Chinese Government scholarships to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate study at top Chinese universities. According to Ambassador Yang, these persons will contribute to Guyana’s development upon their return and serve as “ambassadors” of the China–Guyana friendship. That friendship was described by PM Phillips as “deep and lasting” and the source of fruitful collaborations, cooperation, and understanding for more than 50 years. He said this spirit of partnership and mutual cooperation has proven to be especially valuable now as Guyana enters a new chapter of unprecedented growth and opportunities.
“In this journey, we seek not just investors but strategic partners who can bring vision, expertise and a commitment to long-term collaboration… Looking to the future, we see promising avenues for collaboration,” the PM noted.
One particularly attractive investment opportunity, PM Phillips highlighted, lies in Guyana’s housing sector. “We can significantly benefit from China’s expertise in this sector by leveraging its extensive experience in large-scale, affordable housing construction and urban planning to comprehensively develop our infrastructure,” he said. In the area of climate change and sustainability, PM Phillips drew similarities of the shared vision between Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 and China’s pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. He noted that both countries are advancing renewable energy and climate resilience as part of their development strategies. Commending China’s remarkable achievements, the PM said the country has become a global symbol of vision, resilience and transformation. “I wish to re-emphasise China’s remarkable journey of advancement, commitment to enhancing international relations, and the spirit of innovation that continues to advance meaningful global partnerships. Our relations continue to blossom, not only through trade and diplomacy, but also through people-to-people connections and a mutual commitment to creating a better world for all,” he posited. Guyana became the first English-speaking Caribbean country to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1971.