… particularly with Russia
PRIME Minister, Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of President, has underscored the importance of maintaining good bilateral relations with countries around the world, as in the case of Guyana and Russia. He was at the time addressing the business luncheon held yesterday at the Regency Suites Hotel, Hadfield Street, hosted by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) and the Russian Federation, when he focused on the rise of the Russian Federation and the business opportunities that Guyana can tap into.
“Guyana has been a beneficiary in many areas, as a result of the good bilateral relations it shares with other countries”, Prime Minister added.
The acting President made reference to the number of Russian companies that are investing in Guyana, which he said is testimony to a blooming economy.
Meanwhile, Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Nicolay Smirnov, in his address to the gathering, alluded to the good bilateral relations that the two countries share, pointing to collaboration in the areas of agriculture, energy and climate change.
The agreement that Guyana signed with Russia in February 2012 to fight illegal drugs was also highlighted as one of the important areas of collaboration.
In addition, the ambassador spoke of the debt write off by his  country to the tune of US$16M, which is testimony to the good relations that the two countries share.
He made reference to the number of scholarships that have been awarded to Guyanese students in a number of areas. Many of the specialists now in Guyana started in Russia as a result of scholarships, the ambassador added.
A number of students are expected back home within the next five years, after studying various disciplines in Russia.
President of the GM&SA, Clinton Williams, spoke of the phenomenal growth taking place in the Russian Federation and the opportunities that are available to the Guyanese business sector. He noted that the GM&SA has been exploring avenues with regard to opportunities available for businessmen and women, in rapidly developing states, such as India, Brazil and Russia.
“We are not only seeking to establish ties with traditional countries, but are also seeking opportunities with other states, such as USA, Canada, the UK, etc”, Williams told the gathering.
He also made reference to the fact that Russia joined Guyana’s growth path by introducing itself to the bauxite industry.