-Chinese Ambassador says; trade grew to US$1.23 billion in 2023
-2000 Guyanese currently hired by ACEG member companies
AS Guyana and China continue to strengthen and foster greater trade relations, China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, boasted that within 11 years, the bilateral trade volume grew from US$180 million to US $1.23 billion in 2023.
While celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year at New Thriving Restaurant, Providence on Friday night, people from all walks of life bonded over tasty Asian dishes and were blown away by stellar cultural performances.
During the dinner reception hosted by the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Guyana (ACEG), the Ambassador commended the advancements made by ACEG, which was founded in 2013 and the significant progress made in building commercial and business ties between the two countries.
She stated, “Over the past 11 years, the Association has been committed to the economic and social development of Guyana…it has effectively promoted economic and trade co-operation between China and Guyana.”
Furthermore, it was stated that ACEG is playing a major role in bolstering the employment rate. According to Ambassador Haiyan, “…Its member companies comply with and actively respond to local content law, they are currently employing about 2000 local workers, and cultivating local talents through staff training, internship and scholarships for study in China.”
Notably, over the past 11 years, coupled with the support of the Guyanese Government and various sectors of society, the Association’s membership has expanded to 21, with some member companies being state owned and listed in the Fortune Global 500, while others are competitive private companies with “special advantages.”
These companies are engaging in energy, infrastructure, mining, agriculture, among other sectors.
As the bounty of vibrant and mouth-watering Asian Cuisines decorated dozens of tables and the gathering listened keenly to the Ambassador, she decided to take that moment to reflect on her wonderful experience in Guyana.
“From my two years of working experience in Guyana, I have the deep feeling that Guyana is an open, inclusive, friendly, vibrant and dynamic country. With the development of [the] oil and gas industry, Guyana has become the fastest growing economy in the world.
“The Guyanese Government is formulating a modernisation blueprint focusing on the main themes of energy, food, and climate security, and committed to create a fair, open, and inclusive business environment…”
She then went on to proudly state, “In supporting Guyana’s development, China hasn’t and will never be absent.”
CO-OPERATION
Guyana’s Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who was present at the reception along with other government officials, reflected on the ties between the two nations, noting that it is “steeped in rich history.”
“Our long and fruitful friendship has grown from strength to strength over the last 50 plus years, with both countries actively engaged in strategic and beneficial exchanges in almost all areas of national development,” the Prime Minister said.
He highlighted that Guyana has been benefitting from the Chinese Medical Brigade, which according to him, is saving thousands of lives in Guyana.
“Seeing this promising and long-standing show of support presently has further committed to the establishment of a China-Guyana investment and economic co-operation working group, Chinese projects in the country and investment in economic co-operation,” PM Phillips said.
Furthermore, ACEG’s Vice President Andrew Jin, during his opening remarks, lauded the umbrella of positivity and harmony that was being witnessed during the reception.
“We shall continue to collaborate with local business community to make our positive contribution in building a prosperous Guyana. We applaud the vision that by the Government of Guyana which is preparing Guyana from a developing country into a developed country in a decade and we are honoured and proud to be part of this history making process.”
The Chinese New Year 2024 is a Year of the Dragon, more specifically, Wood Dragon, starting from February 10, 2024, and lasting until January 28, 2025.
With Chinese people holding the belief that what one does at the beginning of a new year will affect one’s luck in the coming year, during the dinner reception, red packets were shared.
This is done to cast away the bad luck (demon Nian) and bring good luck in.
