We are always trying to do more, and to improve our relations with our developing partners. We see more economic opportunities for us to improve our ties in Guyana and the wider Caricom bloc.” Those were the sentiments expressed by Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Sandoval, during an interview with Guyana Times International.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds speaking with Mexican Ambassador Fernando Sandoval
Ambassador Sandoval insisted that Mexico sees Guyana as an important partner in the region, and will continue to work in various areas related to development to ensure that both countries benefit from the strengths and markets of each other.
He admitted that while there has not been lots of “interaction” in the field of economics between the two countries, Mexico does see lots of opportunities and areas that can and will be explored.
He said that, over the past two and a half years, his government had received requests from individuals here to become agents for several popular Mexican-made products, and that is why Mexico established an embassy here in Guyana.
He also explained that economic cooperation could be strengthened in the agriculture sector when farmers and others here opt to purchase and import Mexican tractors and general agricultural implements, which are of high standard of manufacture. Sandoval was certain that the two countries’ economic bilateral ties could be further strengthened with more cooperation and dialogue in this respect.
“The work of the embassy in Guyana is to let citizens know about the benefits and opportunities that could be derived from stronger Mexico/ Guyana relations, and to further educate them about our country and our focus,” Sandoval said.
He further posited that the two governments, realising the potential benefits of their partnership, have also sought to make travel between the two countries easier and more encouraging for business and tourists. Sandoval informed that Guyanese who have valid U. S. visas do not need a Mexican visa to visit the country.
In fact, he praised the process that has been established already for other citizens without U. S. visas to travel to Mexico, hailing it “easy, basic and routine.”
The Mexican ambassador also said that, as a result of work and improved cooperation in this respect, there has been an increase in travel to Mexico, with figures for 2010 showing that some 115 Guyanese visited that country for various reasons, including business, tourism, culture and sport.
The ambassador was convinced that his embassy has the economic and social interests of Guyanese at heart. “We have also made provision for scholarships to be offered to Guyanese, for persons to study in Mexico.
“I believe some seven persons who went to Mexico to study in the professional technician field have completed work, so far”, a smiling Sandoval disclosed. He said that his embassy wants to offer more scholarships for degrees, Master’s degrees and PHD studies in Mexico for Guyanese students and professionals.
