PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has stated that there are plans for strategic dialogue between the governments of Guyana, Suriname, and China regarding the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge. This bridge aims to establish a crucial connection between Suriname and Guyana.
During an interaction with journalists at a Wednesday event, the Guyanese Head of State mentioned the existence of significant interest, which has not yet been formalised in writing.
“The president of Suriname visited China and as you know we both jointly wrote to the Chinese government on the possibility of concessional financing to have this bridge completed, so we are supposed to have strategic dialogue very soon, so I know that the Chinese government is in talks with both governments.”
He added: “A week ago, I had an engagement with the Chinese ambassador on the very subject so we are hoping that within the coming weeks we can hear from China on the concessional financing.”
In April, Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi handed over a joint letter, on behalf of himself and President Irfaan Ali, to President Xi Jinping, seeking possible concessional financing for the Corentyne River bridge project.
A proposal for the bridge was first floated in a memorandum between the two Caribbean community (CARICOM) states back in 2020.
The aim is to provide a vital link between Suriname’s capital, Paramaribo and Guyana’s Georgetown, advancing trade, transportation and promoting tourism.
In March, the two heads of state engaged in discussions pertaining to the financing, technical aspects, and operational modalities of the bridge that will connect the two countries across the Corentyne River.
The leaders issued a joint statement emphasising the significance of establishing a permanent link between the two countries to enhance connectivity in South America.
This, the statement explained, is part of the overall objective of regional integration and trilateral co-operation between Suriname, Guyana and Brazil.
During discussions, President Ali and Santokhi acknowledged the importance of the historical and friendly relations between the peoples and governments of both countries.
It was further recognised that at the current time, both countries stand on the verge of becoming major players in terms of energy and food security in this region.
“The building of the fixed connection between the two neighboring nations will undoubtedly enhance the flow of people, strengthen agricultural co-operation, facilitate trade and investment and promote tourism, thereby adding in a diversified way to the economic growth that is expected to provide sustainable prosperity to both the Surinamese and Guyanese populations,” the statement read.
The teams were directed to proceed to the next phase of the project by engaging in discussions regarding pricing, technical aspects, financing, and operational modalities. The shared goal is to optimise affordability and concessionality.
It was further outlined that experts of both countries will jointly work towards a political and legal framework, starting with the supervisory tendering process, and the drafting of an agreement regarding the ultimate board that will jointly manage the bridge.
