Chinese Ambassador highlights AI, green development for future cooperation with Guyana

At the reception commemorating the 53rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China, newly appointed Chinese Ambassador Yang Yang emphasised that China is committed to working with Guyana to expand cooperation into emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI).

“We are also willing to work with Guyana to tap deeper into cooperation potential, and to expand our collaboration from traditional areas such as energy, mining, infrastructure, and agriculture to emerging fields like the digital economy, green development, and artificial intelligence,” the Ambassador said.

The Chinese diplomat revealed that in 2024, bilateral trade reached US$1.4 billion, nearly four times higher than in 2019.

“China’s direct investment in Guyana also surged from US$256 million in 2019 to US$10.6 billion in 2024, representing a fortyfold increase. Chinese enterprises have not only undertaken various projects, but also actively shouldered social responsibilities. They have created a large number of job opportunities in Guyana and actively involved in public welfare initiatives such as poverty alleviation, educational support, and charitable donations,” the Ambassador said.

Since 1993, China has dispatched 20 Chinese medical brigades to Guyana, providing healthcare to thousands of patients, with more than 30,000 critically ill cases treated and 70,000 surgeries performed.

“We regard Guyana as a key partner in the Caribbean and Latin America, and firmly support Guyana in pursuing your own development path. And we are committed to take our relations to a new level on the basis of mutual respect,” Yang said.

She further committed to encouraging more Chinese businesses to invest in Guyana as the country continues its transformative development.

Ambassador Yang also pledged China’s continued support for Guyana’s sovereignty and development agenda.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali echoed similar sentiments and stated that China is a vital partner in supporting Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The President revealed that discussions were held with Ambassador Yang which included “safeguarding of our sovereignty and territorial integrity and the role China must play in ensuring this region remains peaceful and our neighbour in a just manner, follow what we all believe that is international order and the rule of law and the respect of our sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Guyana, the Head of State reaffirmed, stands resolutely in support of a global system based on democracy, peace, sovereignty, freedom, and respect for territorial integrity.

In reflecting on Guyana’s longstanding ties with China, President Ali stated that Guyana was the first English-speaking Caribbean country to recognise the People’s Republic of China over 50 years ago.

Since then, the relationship has evolved into what he described as a “respectful and multifaceted partnership grounded in mutual trust, shared values, and economic cooperation.”

He praised the contributions of the Chinese community to Guyana’s national development, citing their role in enriching the country’s cultural diversity, commerce, infrastructure, and social services.

“China has stood with us, partnered with us, and lent support in critical national priorities,” the President said.

Adding: “We are confident that as Guyana rises to new heights, China will be there, offering friendship and partnership to advance mutual benefits and development.”