–Mustapha tells international conference

LEVERAGING technological advancements in artificial intelligence in agriculture and rural revitalisation, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), in collaboration with China can establish modern and efficient agricultural systems.

This is according to Guyana’s agriculture minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, who, during a presentation at the recently-concluded Thematic Session on Agricultural Economic and Trade of the Third China-CELAC Ministerial Forum on Agriculture in Weifang City, Shandong Province, China, urged stakeholders to strengthen discussions on shared commitment and collaborative efforts.

Mustapha believes that together, major players from CELAC and China could propel the transformation of the agricultural sector.

“This partnership holds the promise of transforming our agricultural practices, ensuring food security, and promoting economic development across Latin America and the Caribbean. Our collaboration with China, which we are here to solidify during this 3rd Ministerial Forum, sets a strong foundation for the future,” the Guyanese leader said.

Together, he stressed, the region can work towards achieving international goals in regards to a food and nutrition security.

“By leveraging China’s technological advancements and expertise in sustainable agriculture, we can boost productivity, improve resilience to climate impacts, and foster inclusive growth that benefits all our rural communities,” he said.

GUYANA, CHINA PARTNERSHIP
Mustapha highlighted that the two nations have shared ‘deepening’ economic ties over the years, with bilaterial trade increasing from US$180 million in 2012 to US$1.23 billion in 2023, thus making Guyana one of the Asian country’s largest trade partners.

“Both Guyana and China reaffirmed our dedication to mutual respect, sovereignty, and the pursuit of development paths suited to our respective conditions. Importantly, we highlighted the critical need for enhanced collaboration in infrastructure development, trade, investment, and agriculture,” he said.

Mustapha noted that already there are key initiatives underway to solidify further collaboration and among these is the establishment of a consultation mechanism to address issues promptly and foster win-win cooperation through expert exchanges and joint research.

“Guyana lauded China’s initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and expressed enthusiasm for concluding a Joint Action Plan to further these goals. We also discussed the importance of promoting food security, regional integration, and sustainable development through frameworks like the Global Development Initiative.”

The Government of Guyana, he further highlighted, has already begun collaborations with the Government of China.

The country recently received a donation of 50 cages for its cage-culture project.

Additionally, 25 officers from Guyana benefitted from courses in aquaculture and cage farming.

Mustapha noted that this training boosted the development of the aquaculture industry of Guyana, allowing for the commencement of cage culture production in Guyana that has been very successful to date.

“I am confident that through our shared commitment and collaborative efforts, we can achieve remarkable progress together. By fostering partnerships and expanding trade, we can drive economic growth, alleviate poverty, and ensure food security for our peoples,” Mustapha said.

As such, Mustapha disclosed that the South American State is in full support of the Action Plan on Strengthening China-CELAC Agricultural Cooperation (2024-2028), which will provide mutual benefits and win-win results by increasing the volume of trade, and stimulating agricultural investment.