‘Goodwill & economic interests’ – Jagdeo says big vision underpins growing Guyana/ Brazil partnership

Guyana hopes to strengthen its long-standing partnership with Brazil, a move Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo says is underpinned by goodwill and a recognition of the economic benefits that can be garnered for both countries.

“We are driven by economic interests on both sides, not just goodwill,” the Vice President affirmed during the closing presentation of this year’s Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo hosted at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.

A huge part of expanding the Guyana/ Brazil partnership relies on the tangible link between the two countries: the Takutu Bridge.

More than a decade ago, Jagdeo (who was Guyana’s President then) and Brazil’s President, Luis Inacio Lula da Silva opened the Takutu Bridge. This link connects Guyana’s Region Nine and Brazil’s Bon Fim, allowing easier travel between the two countries.

Jagdeo said the two sides are “picking up where we left off” through the expansion of this road project. And he believes this can be leveraged by Brazil.

Through Guyana’s Linden to Lethem roadway, it is possible to travel from northern Brazil to Guyana’s capital city and main port, Georgetown.

That roadway is getting much-needed upgrades and Jagdeo said the Guyana Government envisions travellers and suppliers from northern Brazil using that roadway to get to the Atlantic Ocean in a short span of time. This is part of a plan to position Guyana as a major regional hub for trade.

That roadway is, however, just part of the “integration” of Guyana and Brazil.

He also said Guyana could produce excess power in a few years through a combination of its natural gas-fired power plant and hydropower projects. And that excess electricity can be used to supply power to Brazil.

The Vice President also believes that Guyana and Brazil can leverage each other’s strengths in the agriculture sector.

Jagdeo affirmed, “The integration projects are not based on good, friendly relationships.”

“… We have a bigger vision for the integration of Brazil and Guyana.”