SEPT-28-2012: GUYANA TO GAIN DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT
Its good to see the Canadian government continue to support Guyana. Seems like both countries have a strong relationship.
Note, CGX was specifically mentioned by the Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana. Seems like momentum continues to build for CGX....
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https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2012/09/29/guyana-to-gain-developmental-support-from-canada-high-commissioner/
Guyana to gain developmental support from Canada – High Commissioner
Guyana is likely to soon receive help to develop a number of its sectors, primary among them being tourism. In fact, an earnest commitment was made by Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr David Devine, as he addressed a GuyExpo Business Forum yesterday at the International Conference Centre.
The commitment was made even as the envoy pointed out that the High Commission must be wary of where it injects its limited resources. “We have a very small High Commission so we have to be able to be selective as to how we direct our limited resources to areas where there will be the most impact.”
In underscoring that Canada has a very extensive extractive sector in oil, gas and mining, the High Commissioner noted that efforts will be made to focus on a number of such areas as well as tourism and other investors’ sectors in Guyana. He revealed that presently the Commission is in discussion with the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister on developing several projects that would further advance and build on the strides, vision and hard work that have been undertaken in the tourism sector to help promote Guyana.
He alluded to the increase in flights as a factor to help bolster investment, pointing out that EZjet Air Services, for instance, has been offering direct flights from Guyana to Canada. This, he noted, will serve to facilitate a direct flow of people, goods and services between the two countries. “It has to be given support and I am in fact very pleased that they are looking at expanding from the current flights to possibly tripling the number of flights per week,” Devine added.
This comes at a time, the High Commissioner noted, when the investment climate in Guyana is very encouraging to foreign investors, with the recent growth projection for 2013 being some 3.8 per cent.
Devine related that even without this, Guyana is poised to become an even more attractive destination for foreign direct investments. He then highlighted some development affiliations Canada currently has with Guyana, making reference to the CGX oil exploration offshore, which he said is a very important signal to the international community that Guyana is indeed open for business and is looking to attract even more investments. “We are cognizant that this has to be done in an environmentally-friendly manner that fosters and promotes social responsibility both at home and abroad,” Devine added.
He noted that as Guyana continues its drive towards further development, the High Commission stands as a ready partner to help strengthen the critical sectors, even as he opined that sustainable partnership will require both countries being equally responsible. According to Devine, Canada has over the years taken pride in placing significant emphasis on developing sustainable and viable partnerships. Against this background, he revealed that since taking up the mantle as High Commissioner, he made the ambitious decision to expand the commercial portfolio to bring synergies with a developmental thrust.
“We want to see the potential that exists in Guyana become a reality to the benefit of both our countries.”
Devine commended the move to introduce the business forum which, according to him, is very much needed and comes at an opportune time.