…China also presents mobile container scanner to GRA

GUYANA and the People’s Republic of China yesterday signed two agreements on Economic and Technical Co-operation between the two nations, and the acceptance certificate for a mobile scanner that will be attached to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The signing was done at the Finance Ministry on Main Street with Minister Ashni Singh and Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Mr. Zhang Limin, along with other ministry and GRA staff.
The value of the Economic and Technical Co-operation agreement between the two countries is up to $30M RMB or US$4.93M.
On the mobile container scanner, Minister Singh pointed out that this would be a highly valued addition to the equipment and capital stock of the GRA. In a very significant way, it will enhance the GRA’s capacity to discharge its important functions as it relates to international trade, he informed.
Meanwhile, commenting on the ties between Guyana and China, Singh observed that descendants of Chinese immigrants comprise a very important part of the Guyanese population. More recently, since Guyana attained its independence, he said the two countries have enjoyed good fraternal bonds.
“Guyana is proud to have been the first Caribbean country to establish diplomatic relations with China and we are pleased at the evolution and the manifestations of the formal relationship between our two countries.”
Over the years, he said, there have been many examples of projects implemented with China’s support, noting that there are even projects being executed currently with the help of China.
“In fact, across the Caribbean, China has a special place, and we are pleased at the level of importance attached to the Caribbean by China, having witnessed a number of high level visits by the leadership of the Chinese Government.
“Guyana has made good use of the resources made available under the various facilities provided by the Chinese Government to the Caribbean. The result has been truly transformative projects that are in current implementation. In addition, it is significant now that Chinese companies are increasingly looking to the Caribbean, including Guyana, as a new destination for investment and for doing business. And we welcome them.”
Dr Singh said China has not only supported large projects in Guyana, but smaller initiatives that have also had tremendous impact.
“So in addition to the larger projects, like the airport and the Electricity Transmission and Distribution Network, there have been a number of smaller initiatives implemented.”
These include the provision of training to small businesses, provision of scholarships to Guyanese students, and cultural exchanges, among a host of others. “And all of these have served to benefit the people of Guyana and also to enrich the relationship between the two countries.
“Importantly, China, notwithstanding that it is a large and prosperous country, is also still a developing country and it is a good example to the rest of the developing world; it provides useful lessons and many of us look to the Chinese model and how it is evolving and the rapid growth that is being achieved in China.”
The minister concluded his speech by thanking the Government of China for the generosity that it has shown Guyana.
Ambassador Limin offered, by means of a translator, that he was happy to be present at the signing ceremony. He reminded that this is the second time for this year that the two countries are collaborating.
He said it is his hope that the grant will contribute to the social and economic development of Guyana, and though it is not huge, it represents the long history of friendship between the two countries.
The container scanner, he offered, will help to improve the customs administration.

(Telesha Ramnarine)