Guyana has reaffirmed Canada as a cherished partner in its development. President Dr. Irfaan Ali during brief remarks at a pre-Canada Day celebration event Tuesday lauded the strong partnership between the two countries as he highlighted new investment opportunities that seek to mutually benefit both nations.
He said that Canada has contributed to the improvement of Guyana’s health care system, particularly in areas of maternal and child health, mental health and care for indigenous communities. Additionally, they have provided support for education, criminal justice reform and governance while economic ties grow stronger every year.
“Canada remains a major investor in our mining sector and we welcome your increasing interest in our oil and gas industry,” President Ali told a gathering of officials and well-wishers at the Bel Air residence of Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin.
“Beyond these traditional sectors… there is significant uncapped potential. We invite Canadian businesses to explore opportunities in agriculture, infrastructure, public housing, eco-tourism and especially climate smart agriculture, a field where innovation can align beautifully with sustainability,” he said.
President Ali pointed out that apart from economic partnership, Canada has been a prime example leading the way in democracy for free and fair elections as well as a strong supporter of Guyana’s sovereignty in the face of Venezuela’s threat to its territorial integrity.
“Guyana affirms its strong belief that the Caribbean region and indeed the entire western hemisphere must remain a zone of peace; our future depends on it,” the president insisted.
“As we look to the future of Guyana/ Canada relations, we do so with a sense of optimism and purpose. We believe that through continued bilateral and multilateral engagement we can expand our trade and economic ties, confront the shared challenges of our era including climate change, rising inequality, economic shocks and new security threats and above all uphold the shared values that form the bedrock of our friendship.”
The president urged that Canada’s contribution to Guyana’s development remains generous and enduring. The extension of the Caribbean-Canada Trade Agreement (Caribcan) until December 31, 2033, which provides duty-free access for eligible Caribbean exports to the Canadian market remains a key statement of the country’s commitment to support and enhance trade relations.
