Demerara River Bridge, hospitals highlight deepening Guyana-China cooperation

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, on Friday evening joined Chinese Ambassador Her Excellency Yang Yang at a reception marking the 76th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, hosted at the Mariott Hotel.

Extending congratulations on behalf of President Irfaan Ali, the Government, and the people of Guyana, PM Phillips commended China’s “remarkable achievements,” describing the country as a global symbol of vision, resilience, and transformation.

He reflected on the historic relationship between Guyana and China, established in 1972 when Guyana became the first English-speaking Caribbean nation to formalise diplomatic ties with Beijing.

“This strategic move was more than just a mere diplomatic gesture; it showed that we all want to live in a world where countries can work harmoniously together across historical and geographical lines,” the Prime Minister said.

Phillips pointed to the tangible results of this partnership, including the new Demerara River Bridge project, six regional hospitals being built by Chinese companies, and the arrival of the 21st Chinese Medical Team to Guyana. He also underscored the importance of ongoing cooperation in health research and development.

On education, he highlighted the value of Chinese scholarships, calling them investments in the “shared future” of both countries.
“These young leaders of tomorrow are bridge-builders of the future, helping our countries to understand each other better and work together,” he added.

The Prime Minister also drew attention to shared climate commitments, noting the alignment between Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 and China’s pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. He said both countries are advancing renewable energy and resilience, which will “expedite the global transition to a sustainable, low-carbon world beneficial to present and future generations.”

Looking ahead, PM Phillips identified housing development, urban planning, and expanded healthcare and research collaboration as key opportunities. He noted China’s expertise in large-scale, affordable housing construction as an area where Guyana could benefit significantly.

“Cooperation between Guyana and China continues to strengthen through trade, diplomacy, and people-to-people connections rooted in a shared commitment to creating a better world,” he affirmed.

The Prime Minister was joined by his wife, Mrs Mignon Bowen-Phillips, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gail Teixeira, other Cabinet members, the diplomatic corps, and members of the Chinese community in Guyana.