Guyana President addresses 16th China-LAC Business Summit

The 16th China-Latin America and the Caribbean Business Summit held in Beijing from November 3-4, 2023, saw several leaders commit to boosting cooperation.

President of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who delivered a video message at the opening, said that the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region is teeming with potential and with China's steadfast support and partnership, the region can unlock a new era of development, progress, and prosperity.

Dr. Ali told the summit that China has been a consistent advocate for stronger ties with LAC countries, and its steadfast commitment to collaboration has borne fruit over the years.

“This summit represents yet another remarkable opportunity for us to further this enterprise. Together, we can continue to create the conditions to facilitate improved business and trade between China and the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean,” he added.

Guyana President H.E. Mohamed Irfaan Ali delivered a video message at the summit.

The Guyanese President also expressed support for President Xi Jinping's statement at the 7th Summit of the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC) earlier this year when he said that both China and LAC can only tackle the challenges of these times through closer cooperation.

In a world marked by increased global interconnectedness, Dr. Ali said all nations must come together and devise innovative solutions for the common good. “The challenges we face today include climate change, energy, food crises, and issues relating to the global supply chain. These challenges are daunting but by no means unsurmountable.”

Dr. Ali said solutions to these shared challenges lie in each country’s ability to collaborate, to build bridges, and to foster a spirit of togetherness.

Ambassador of Guyana to China, H.E. Anyin Choo and Chief Executive Officer at the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop.

The 16th China-Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Business Summit, held in Beijing for the first time, aims to promote Chinese trade and investment in the region.

The summit is held annually in China and LAC countries in rotation. It has successfully held 15 sessions in Chongqing, Hangzhou, Chengdu, and other places in China, as well as Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico, among other countries.

About 400 representatives of international organizations, government officials from LAC countries, representatives of business associations and enterprises participated in the summit.