Guyana is seeking Canada’s support in promoting real trading opportunities in the agriculture and tourism sectors, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh told that country’s recently-accredited ambassador to Guyana during a meeting on Wednesday, September 14.
Ambassador David Devine met with Dr Singh, during which the minister wished him a successful and rewarding term of office while conveying his appreciation for the longstanding and generous support provided to Guyana by the government and people of Canada since establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1966.
Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh
Minister Singh also highlighted the common values, relations and trading opportunities established between the two countries; and he further made special reference to the large Guyanese diaspora which resides in Canada. Minister Singh noted that Canada’s support in terms of economic cooperation included a number of programmes and projects which had been realised through Canada’s International Development Agency (CIDA), and he applauded the relationship shared with CIDA over the years.
Canada’s support for Guyana and the other Caribbean countries at various international fora was highlighted as being very important, since it provided support for the small states by raising awareness of their peculiarities due to size and other constraints. The role of Canada in supporting the regional development banks was also discussed. Further, it was observed that some of Guyana’s largest inward investors were Canadian nationals, and they were investing in the areas of gold and manganese.
During the meeting, the minister highlighted support for promoting real trading opportunities in the agriculture and tourism sectors as a key priority going forward. He deemed this as necessary to build on successes already achieved.
The Canadian high commissioner promised to assist in promoting and deepening investment and trade links between Guyana and Canada.
Both Singh and Devine acknowledged and lauded the excellent cordial relations maintained over the years between the two countries, especially in the area of social and economic development, and the positive impact that these interventions had and continue to make in Guyana’s development.
