— Granger calls on Chinese to invest in agriculture, agro-processing

PRESIDENT David Granger has called on the Chinese to invest in agriculture and agro-processing as these two sectors are vital in sustaining the expansion of the restaurant industry.

He made this appeal at the opening of a New Thriving Restaurant at the Amazon Mall, Providence, East Bank Demerara, on Friday evening. The modern restaurant can house 600 diners at one time and 1000 for cocktail.

The occasion was graced by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and wife Sita Nagamootoo; Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh; Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud; members of the diplomatic corps; Government ministers; members of the Opposition including former President Donald Ramotar; and members of the business community, among others.

The President, accompanied by First Lady Sandra Granger, urged New Thriving Restaurant proprietors Xiao Guang Zhao and Che Jian Ping and other investors to invest in the agriculture and agro-processing sectors.

He said Guyana is transitioning into a ‘green’ economy.

“This country has an abundance of lands for the development of agriculture. We have the potential to supply all the agricultural produce needed by local hotels and restaurants…. We, therefore, look forward to increased Chinese investments in agriculture and agro-processing. We would like for all the agricultural produce used in the New Thriving Restaurants, every bowl of rice, every leaf of lettuce, every breast of chicken and every leg of pork, to be produced right here in Guyana,” he said.

Mr Granger said the establishment of the new restaurant aids in the enrichment of Guyana’s hospitality product and reflects investors’ confidence in Guyana’s economy.

VITAL PARTNERS

Adding that Guyanese and Chinese are brothers and sisters, President Granger said Guyana has been home to the Chinese for 164 years and their presence forms a permanent part of the history and future of Guyana.

The Chinese have distinguished themselves in the fields of engineering, law, medicine and sports, among others.

“Chinese entrepreneurs are influencing Guyana’s economic development, the strong foundation laid by the fraternal ties has been solidified by business enterprises and Guyana welcomes Chinese investment,” President Granger said.

He added: “Our economic policy is one of enabling foreign direct investment. Our fiscal policy is one of encouraging investors, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity. Chinese investment, however, has been particularly vibrant in recent years. This has coincided with the transformation of the economy of the People’s Republic of China. We encourage even more investment, including the establishment of restaurants such as this one.”

The New Thriving chain of restaurants began 24 years ago, with the first outlet being on Regent Street in Georgetown.

“I personally visited all the branches before, so I am a veteran of the New Thriving restaurant which has become a household name,” the President reflected.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Cui Jianchun thanked the President and the Government for creating an enabling environment for their investments to thrive.

“I wish that New Thriving could do more things to provide quality food to Guyanese, and that we can continue to share in your [Guyanese] story; your thinking and your feelings. And finally, I wish that this new branch could provide a lot of social service and to help to provide a good image for Guyanese as a country as a people and as a community,” he said.

The event featured a fashion show, dances and musical renditions.

Business Tycoon, Dr. Yesu Persaud, who was also at the opening, said he has been a friend of New Thriving since the inception of the business here.

“They are a very principled people and they know how to please the public… their service is of an exceptional nature. I have been to China quite a few times and I haven’t seen anything comparable with the New Thriving Restaurant, so they have done exceedingly well in representing Guyana,” he said.