THE Federative Republic of Brazil is celebrating its 190th Independence anniversary this year.

At a reception hosted by Brazil’s Ambassador to Guyana, Luis Cardoso, President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Mrs. Deolatchmee Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Mrs. Hinds, Opposition Leader David Granger and Mrs. Granger, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues–Birkett, the crème de la crème of the diplomatic community, and many other well-wishers gathered to celebrate the milestone.
Ambassador Cardoso told the gathering that Brazil is enjoying a fairly good economy, despite the global economic challenges. He also indicated that Brazil is pushing for more investments in the area of infrastructure. About Brazil’s relationship with Guyana, Ambassador Cardoso said his government wants to take the economic and trade relations between the two countries to new levels, with more cooperation in security and agriculture.
In brief remarks, President Ramotar congratulated the Government and people of Brazil on behalf of the people of Guyana. He said Brazil had made significant progress in the industrial and social sectors, so much so that it has become the fifth largest economy in the world.
According to the Guyana President, Brazil has proven itself a good neighbour and constant friend as Guyana grapples with many issues, including a rapid shift in the environment.
He added that Guyana has embraced the people of Brazil in Guyana’s mining and other productive sectors, and that Guyana is one with Brazil in its quest for regional integration.
British High Commissioner Andrew Ayre, speaking to this newspaper, said Brazil is a key partner of the UK, and that the two countries enjoy good trade links.
Brazil is one of the world’s rising economic powers. It will host Football World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016.