Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and Vice Minister in the Chinese Commerce Ministry, Zhong Shan separately sign the grant pact
Guyana and the Republic of China on Friday, March 2, signed two grant agreements which will see the government receiving 45.5 million yuan (G$ 1.451 billion) to aid in the purchasing of firefighting equipment and other projects. The pact was signed by Vice Minister in the Chinese Commerce Ministry, Zhong Shan and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh at the International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.
According to Shan, 15.5 million will aid in the purchasing of fire-fighting equipment for the Guyana Fire Service, whereas $ 30,000 yuan will be invested in projects which will be discussed between the two countries.
Minister Singh in his opening remarks to the visiting diplomatic delegation thanked the Chinese government for the substantial grant. He said that the diplomatic relations between the two countries have been established over 40 years, noting that China was the first country to establish such a relationship with the Guyanese government which had manifested itself in numerous areas of economic growth.
Guyana had long been on the receiving end of quite a few funds donated by the Republic of China. These grants, according to Singh, were used to finance projects, including the Skeldon Sugar Factory and other developments which are less visible but equally important.
Vice Minister in the Chinese Commerce Ministry, Zhong Shan and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh exchange contracts after the signing
Dr Singh indicated that Guyana is more than pleased to continue working closely with the Chinese government in the interest of the economy. Singh anticipates that China will see Guyana as a country to invest in.
Before the two documents were signed, Zhong spoke about how the Chinese government cherishes the relationship they shared with Guyana. Soon Guyana will see quite a few of its products entering the Chinese market. This, according to Zhong will become a reality as both countries endeavour to support each other in the international arena.
During his address, Zhong said that the China government had always given the green light to its financier to make Guyana a destination for investments to further economic growth.
The vice minister assured that Guyana is a haven for hospitality and as such, his people will always recognise the country as grounds for investment.
