Guyana, China trade quadrupled to US$1.4B in 2024 – Chinese Ambassador

– Pres Ali lauds role of Chinese nationals living, working here to national development

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.
This was disclosed by the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Mr Yang Yang, during a reception held at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown on Thursday evening, commemorating 53 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
According to Ambassador Yang, Guyana was the first English-speaking Caribbean country to establish diplomatic ties with China, and over the past 53 years, the two nations have enjoyed enduring ties, with deepening mutual political trust, broadening practical cooperation, and flourishing people-to-people exchanges.
This, she outlined, is reflective in the fact that bilateral cooperation between the two countries has surged massively in recent years.

“In 2024, bilateral trade volume reached US$1.4 billion, nearly four times higher than in 2019. China’s direct investment in Guyana also surged from US$256 million in 2019 to US$10.6 billion in 2024, representing a fortyfold increase,” the Chinese Ambassador stated during her address.
Moreover, Ambassador Yang noted that Chinese enterprises here have not only undertaken various projects, but also actively shouldered social responsibilities.
“They have created a large number of job opportunities in Guyana and actively involved in public welfare initiatives such as poverty alleviation, educational support, and charitable donations,” she stated.
Since 1993, the diplomat added, the Chinese Government has dispatched 20 Chinese medical brigades to Guyana, providing healthcare to over 1,310,000 patients, treating more than 30,000 critically ill cases, and performing over 70,000 surgeries.
According to the Ambassador, the Confucius Institute at the University of Guyana (UG) has also made remarkable achievements for over a decade, not only triggering a Chinese study boom, training numerous Chinese language talents, but also facilitated cultural exchanges between the two nations.
“As the world’s largest developing country and the fastest-growing economy, China and Guyana have set a vivid example of equality, mutual assistance, and win-win cooperation for big countries and small ones.”
“China is pursuing national strength and rejuvenation through “Chinese-style modernisation” while Guyana is undergoing the largest economic and social transformation in its history. At this pivotal moment, I am deeply honoured to serve as China’s new Ambassador to Guyana and keenly aware of the great responsibility entrusted to me. I will spare no effort to work with the Guyanese Government and all sectors to write a new chapter in China-Guyana relations,” she expressed.
Similar sentiments were returned by President Dr Irfaan Ali during his feature address at Thursday’s event, which also served as a welcome reception for Ambassador Yang, who was accredited back in April.
The Head of State underscored the importance of Chinese nationals to Guyana’s national development. He explained that his Government is committed to building a One Guyana that demonstrates equity and opportunity for all.
Under this One Guyana initiative, he explained that “every person who contributes to our development regardless of nationality is welcomed and valued. Chinese nationals living and working in Guyana are therefore an important part of our national development thrust.”
The President also saluted the Chinese Government’s contribution to Guyana’s development, noting that the co-operation between the two countries spans a broad-spectrum, including areas such as agriculture, education, infrastructure, health, security, sport, arts and culture, telecommunications, technology, trade, transport and private investments.
President Ali 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, partnership to advance mutual benefit and development,” the Head of State emphasised.
He also recognised China’s contribution to Guyana’s cultural identity.
“The Chinese community in Guyana has for over 170 years contributed significantly to our cultural diversity, our commerce and our national development. These enduring people-to-people connections have enriched our society and continue to serve as a bridge between our two nations,” he noted.
Signature projects including the New Demerara River Bridge, six Regional Hospitals, and the China-aided China-Guyana Friendship Joe Vieira Park, are poised to become iconic landmarks of the ever-growing China-Guyana friendship.
Moreover, Chinese companies are executing various major road expansion projects across Guyana and are actively participating in the country’s burgeoning oil and gas sector.
On the other hand, numerous Guyanese officials, doctors, entrepreneurs, journalists, policemen, engineers have undertaken professional and technical training in China, emerging as key participants, beneficiaries, and promoters of China-Guyana people-to-people exchanges.