China attaches importance to developing economic and trade ties
with Guyana and is willing to discuss ways of exploring new
channels to expand bilateral cooperation.
President Hu Jintao made the remarks when meeting visiting Guyanan
counterpart Bharrat Jagdeo Thursday afternoon, saying he believed
the visit would further promote mutual understanding and friendship
between the two countries.
Hu
said there is great potential in bilateral economic cooperation and
the two nations complement each other on economic development.
China and Guyana enjoy a wide range of economic and technical
cooperation. Major cooperative projects include industry and
agriculture, such as Bel-Lu Claybrick Factory, Sanata Textiles
Limited, Model Duck-breeding Factory and Moco Moco Hydropower
Station.
According to statistics of China General Administration of Customs,
trade volume between China and Guyana in 2001 totalled US$14.78
million, with China's exports reaching US$12.41 million and imports
hitting US$2.37 million.
Guyana was the first English-speaking Caribbean country to
establish diplomatic relations with China.
The two states have enjoyed smooth, long-term and friendly
relations with a frequent exchange of high-level visits and close
cooperation in the international arena.
Jagdeo said he appreciated China's support to his country's
development, noting that Guyana and China share similar views on
many international issues and have sound cooperation in the United
Nations and other international organizations.
Jagdeo called on developing countries to enhance cooperation when
handling political and economic unilateralism in the world.
Hu
said China understood the challenges that Caribbean countries face
in the process of global economic integration.
He
added China supports their efforts in this regard and is willing to
develop friendly relations with Caribbean countries on the basis of
equality and mutual benefit.
Guyana is a member of the Latin America Economic System which aims
at promoting regional cooperation in Latin America, furthering
regional integration, and carrying out projects for economic and
social development.
(China Daily March 28, 2003)