Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of president, on Saturday applauded India’s work against the socio-economic challenges to build and develop the country over the years.
Extending fraternal greetings on that country’s 64th republic anniversary observance in Guyana, he lauded India’s achievements and the level of national development made.
In his presentation during a reception at the Georgetown Club, Hinds highlighted the relationship and bilateral ties between the two countries, and committed Guyana to furthering the relationship through the areas of trade and economic cooperation, investment, air connectivity and private sector partnerships.
Outlining ways in which the two countries could move ahead to enhance sustained bilateral relationships, he suggested that these could be placed as priority issues on the 2013 agenda of both countries. On the issue of private sector cooperation, Hinds invited more sharing and collaboration between the business communities of the two countries, which he observed, would help to surmount challenges and be advantageous in the ways of trade opportunities.
The prime minister noted that on the investment side, there are currently two agreements between the two countries which are yet to be concluded. One is a double taxation avoidance agreement, and the second, a bilateral promotion protection agreement “which will create a congenial commercial and economic environment”. He urged the early finalisation of these agreements.
Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Puran Mal Meena in his presentation during the reception briefly outlined the history of India’s republican status. He also noted that the revolutionary progress of India’s economy in 1991 opened up India’s economy and trade after which “we have never looked back since”. The high commissioner observed that India’s economy was growing each year, and in 2012 had grown to between six to seven per cent.
Guyana and India, he noted share “values of democracy and freedom, respect for each other on the basis of equality, respect for multi-cultural society and beliefs in unity and diversity. This relationship has been consolidated in recent years with increased co-operation between the two countries,” High Commissioner Meena stated.
Close relations
In pointing to the various methods used by the two countries to maintain close relationships, the Indian high commissioner also highlighted the one-month Indian Science Fair held in 2012 and the opportunities for further education and training available to Guyanese in India through exchanges and scholarships and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme. Meena outlined India’s co-operation with Guyana in the area of health through personnel and the plans for the Specialty Hospital which will further help to improve the health sector.
