By Alva Solomon

GOVERNMENT has assured Chinese companies operating in Guyana of its commitment to enabling a fair playground for all in the country’s business sector, but urged them to keep abreast with the foreign investment polices here.

At the Annual Dinner organized by the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Guyana (ACEG) at the Marriot Hotel on Friday evening, when that organization also launched its 2016 business magazine, President David Granger, who gave the feature address at the event at, assured the Chinese entrepreneurs of Guyana’s commitment to ensuring a fair playing field for the foreign businesses to operate here.

Before the President spoke, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Limin, while addressing members of the Government, the Chinese business community here, and other officials, called on the companies to ensure their awareness of the policies of the Government.

While declaring his excitement at staging of the event, the ambassador said that Chinese companies in Guyana are not only promoters of China and Guyana’s economic corporation and trade, but they have also made committed efforts in the development of the country over the years.

“They have made important contributions to the economic and social development of Guyana,” he said.

To this end, Ambassador Limin called on the companies doing business here to keep abreast with the policies of the Government.

“I would like to take this opportunity to suggest to the Chinese companies in Guyana that, in the future, please follow closely and keep aware of the policy changes on investments in attracting foreign investments in Guyana,” he expounded.

Ambassador Limin alluded to the presence of a number of Government officials at the event as he spoke of China’s economy, which he noted has developed quickly over the past decade. He said China has been providing assistance to Guyana for many years, and he singled out assistance given to the Guyana Police Force, the City of Georgetown, and provision of medical equipment to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

“China will continue to support Guyana’s development,” Ambassador Limin said through a translator.

President Granger told those in attendance that the two countries have been united by the unbreakable bond of their history and friendship for decades. “We must celebrate that history, we must strengthen that bond, we must deepen that friendship for the mutual benefit of our people and to the benefit of our country”, he said.

The president noted that while the Chinese population in Guyana has always been small when compared to the other ethnic groups in the country, the contributions of the Chinese to Guyana’s development has been important. He alluded to the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Monkey, which will be celebrated in another 8 days.

The Head of State said Government is committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to function; and according to him, the country is committed to safeguarding these investments provided the rights of the people and the country’s laws are respected.

“We are all committed to working closely with our Chinese brothers and sisters in the commercial sector”, the President said, as he thanked Government officials who attended the event for their interest shown. Those present included the Ministers of Public Infrastructure and the Minister of Telecommunications.

President Granger said Guyana would love to see a thriving commercial sector, but also a thriving productive sector.

Speaking on the $230B Budget which was presented earlier in the day in the National Assembly by Finance Minister Winston Jordan, the Head of State said the budget lays the foundation for growth, increased economic activity, and greater competitiveness.

“It is a pro-business, pro-growth Budget. It also addresses important challenges within our social sector and the need to bridge the disparities between the hinterland and coastland and between rural and urban (communities),” the Head of State said.

Meanwhile, the business magazine which was launched on Friday evening gives an insight into the Chinese companies which are operating in Guyana. Information is provided on their future plans, and their contributions to the economy are highlighted. The annual publication was produced by the Corbin Media Group, Inc.