This year commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an expansive international infrastructure and development venture initiated by the Chinese government.
In honor of this milestone, the Chinese Embassy collaborated with the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre to host a seminar aimed at discussing the progress achieved since the inception of this ambitious initiative.
Over the past ten years, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has not only transformed the global economic landscape but has also fostered enhanced connectivity, trade, and collaboration among nations.
According to Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, a World Bank report indicates that the BRI has contributed to 4.1 percent of global trade and 3.4 percent of the increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in low-income countries.
Presently, over 155 countries have engaged with the BRI, with ten English-speaking Caribbean nations, including Guyana, forging agreements with China on this initiative.
Following President Irfaan Ali’s state visit to China in July, a joint statement affirmed Guyana’s commitment to advance with the next phase of the BRI through the signing of a cooperation plan.
Guo Haiyan highlighted substantial progress in infrastructure collaboration, with various Chinese companies actively participating in pivotal projects across Guyana.
This includes the development of six regional hospitals among other crucial ventures.
Former President Donald Ramotar, in attendance at the seminar, commended the BRI and acknowledged China’s pivotal role in propelling economic and social progress in both developing and least-developed nations.
Echoing similar sentiments, former Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge emphasized the significant influence of the BRI on international development finance.
The event witnessed participation from members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the University of Guyana, and officials from the Association of Friendship and Culture with China.