THE Governments of Guyana and China yesterday signed the framework agreement which will provide US $130M through a concessional loan to finance the expansion project of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri.

Speaking at the signing ceremony yesterday at the Office of the President at Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, President Donald Ramotar noted that the signing of this agreement is another step in taking Guyana to another level pertaining to infrastructural development.
According to the President, the government has recognised the need to have new kinds of infrastructural development and it is because of this that the expansion project was embarked upon.
“This airport project, like the hydropower project and others, is very, very important in taking us in the direction we want to go,” he said.
Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, who signed on behalf of the Government of Guyana, advised that the finances provided by the Chinese government will be utilised for the construction of a new CJIA terminal building, the extension of the runway and to enhance the airport facilities.
He noted that under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s administration a phenomenal transformation could be seen.
“As you look at literally every aspect of life, we see evidence of modernization and transformation unfolding, whether it be the physical infrastructure of our country…or the social infrastructure of our country…whether it be in the institutional architecture of our country… we are witnessing a very exciting transformation in Guyana,” he stated.
According to the minister, the CJIA modernisation project represents another important instalment in this transformation. He also stressed that when completed, for the first time in Guyana’s history, the country will be boasting a modern, state-of-the-art airport, comparable to airports anywhere else in the world.

He further pointed out that the modernisation of the airport would also expand the opportunities for transport linkages with the country and in addition, will serve to create important job opportunities as well.
He explained that while more jobs will be generated at the airport itself by virtue of additional flights landing or travelling through Guyana, it is also important to note that opportunities will be created through economic activities since there will be more shops, restaurants and other services at the airport.
Singh also noted that the expansion of the CJIA will also signal a significant modernisation of the East Bank Demerara corridor and an enhanced and widened East Bank highway.
He further reiterated that the project will see significant businesses created in the Timehri area and along the East Bank, thus providing jobs and other commercial activities, thereby enriching the lives of the people of those areas and generally, Guyanese citizens.
Departing Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, who signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of China, Yu Wenzhe, said that he is happy that China can contribute to the development of Guyana and that he is hopeful that the friendship and cooperation between the two countries continue.
“I am sure that China will continue to support and cooperate with Guyana and the Guyanese people and we will continue to provide assistance to the best of our ability,” he stated.
The Ambassador advised that the signing of the framework agreement is his last official function that he is performing as Ambassador from China to Guyana, as he is due to return to his homeland sometime in the near future.
Meanwhile, Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn advised that works on the project should begin early in the first quarter of next year after the detailed engineering studies have been completed.
He also noted, that with regard to the expansion project, feasibility studies and evaluations were done and that there was previously an environmental impact assessment.