Assistance with deep water harbour among projects discussed
ACTING Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Irfaan Ali, after engaging in discussions with the recently accredited High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Mr. Puran Mal Meena, said the two countries will be working on a number of initiatives to boost the tourist industry and advance their relations. The diplomat paid a courtesy call at the Tourism Ministry on Monday, when the proposal was put forward for India to assist Guyana in making Fort Island a major tourist hub, and develop it into a strong adventure eco-tourism package.
Minister Ali informed the envoy that Guyana has a lot of historical sites which are not developed, and the former solicited help from the Indian Government in that regard.
Ali suggested that experts come to Guyana to develop high technology programming in recreating the history of Fort Island, and at the same time facilitate training of Guyanese personnel.
Guyana will also be looking to promote more air traffic within the Caribbean, as the country depends on regional integration and movement of people, not only for tourism but for trade as well.
Ali requested that India assists in getting investors who are interested in regional traffic to establish Guyana as a major destination.

Transit point
He made a proposition, as well, for the two sides to explore ways of integrating their people, and marketing Guyana so that those from India can use Guyana as a place for vacation and a transit point to other countries, like Suriname and Brazil.
Guyana and India will also work on advancing Guyana’s eco-tourism products, as according to Ali, this country has the raw materials but needs expertise to build what is required.
About the business aspect, Ali suggested that Guyana can be a major call centre, due to the fact that it is close to North America, and is strategically located for such a feasible initiative.
With regard to housing and water, for which he is also responsible, the minister lobbied for technical assistance to find new opportunities and new areas that can be expanded, and create a city outside of Georgetown.
Mal Meena, responding to the minister’s proposals, undertook to give them serious consideration, and assured that India is prepared to further collaborate with Guyana in the execution of projects.
Feasibility study
Meanwhile, First Secretary in the High Commission, with responsibility for Commerce and Education, Ms. Madhumita Sengupta, who accompanied the High Commissioner, revealed plans to help Guyana complete a feasibility study for the construction of a deep water harbour.
She said, however, that the financial aid will have to be discussed.
The High Commissioner recently replaced Mr. Subit Kumar Mandal, but the bilateral exchange of development experiences has been a reality through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, which has afforded scholarships to Guyanese since its inception in September 1964.
The National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara, which was constructed by the Indian firm Shapoorji Pallonji through a US$6M grant and a US$19M soft loan from the Indian Government, is also a result of the bilateral cooperation.
The relationship between Guyana and India has been in existence for decades, and is based on respect for international law and the social, economic and political development of the two countries’ peoples.