Guyana looks to pursue investment opportunities with Mexico

President Donald Ramotar, Cabinet members and diplomats were among those who turned out in their numbers Saturday evening at the Pegasus Hotel to celebrate the 202nd independence anniversary of Mexico.
The head of state said as another milestone for Mexico is being celebrated, one should be reminded that their independence began with a dream of having a free independent and united Mexico.

“Mexico is a liberated country, constantly growing and a leader in the international community in several respects… Mexico has a lot to be proud of… we (Guyana) share in that pride,” President Ramotar said.
Speaking specifically to Guyana’s relation with Mexico, he stated that, “The groundwork for the intensification of our bilateral activity between our countries has been well laid… we hope to work closely with the embassy in Georgetown to bring these projects to fruition… we also hope to pursue the considerable potential which exists for increasing investment opportunities between Guyana and Mexico,” the president emphasised.
He explained that notwithstanding the vast size and population difference Guyana and Mexico share many similarities, specifically in the political system of an identical parliamentary structure.
He added that as the forces of globalisation drive both countries closer, continued collaboration between the two is inevitable and indeed very necessary, as the global economic downturn continues to have adverse effects on many countries.
“Guyana has little or no control over the international economy… however, we have taken steps at the national level to ensure that essential social services are protected and proper fiscal policies are maintained,” Ramotar explained.
Energies are also being focused on harnessing all available resources to put the nation on a trajectory of growth and development, while being mindful of protecting the environment.
“We have a strategy… a Low Carbon Development Strategy… which we hope to keep pushing forward; and with growing hope, our hydro project will come on stream and help us to reduce our carbon footprint,” the head of state added.
He pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Guyana, both countries have enjoyed a strong diplomatic partnership. The establishment of a Mexican embassy serves to deepen and strengthen this relationship “because of the similar aspirations for a just and peaceful world where our people can advance in their interests, hopes, and ambitions for a prosperous life”.
President Ramotar added that with technical assistance offered by Mexico, especially in the area of training, national efforts are complemented to yield a better educated and trained workforce to provide critical services in various sectors, in a rapidly changing world which demands more and varied skills in every aspect of life.
In his remarks, Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, Francisco Olguin said it is great to be in Guyana – a country with the greatest potential in the Caribbean Community which also houses the headquarters of Caricom. “Upon my arrival, I was impressed by Guyana for its natural beauty and resources… but especially for the enormous amount of people who wish us well from many walks of life who are with us tonight,” Olguin said.
He explained that Guyana’s political system is fascinating and resembles Mexico’s, as the opposition has power in the parliaments of both countries. “Mexico and Guyana also have shown considerable resilience in the face of the world economic crisis…. Guyana’s economy has achieved a five per cent growth for five consecutive years which is most impressive,” Olguin stated.
He added that Mexico has a strong emerging economy which grew almost 16 per cent from 2009 to 2012 – 3.9 per cent in 2011 and 4.3 per cent in 2012. “Our growth has created more than two million jobs in the past five years… today our employment rate is one of the lowest… our financial system remains robust despite the high level of uncertainty in the international financial markets,” Ambassador Olguin related.
He explained that Mexico has been a responsible player in world affairs during the past years as shown by its role in the Supreme Council in 2009 and 2010. He added that the establishing of a diplomatic mission in Georgetown strengthens ties with Guyana.
As Guyana’s relationship with Mexico progresses to higher heights, Mexico has made outstanding contributions to Guyana’s national development process and has become an important player in the hemisphere, more so in the international arena. Several Guyanese within the last decade have benefited from scholarships from the Mexican government to pursue studies in fields such as environmental studies, water resources management, engineering, physics and tourism, while Spanish language training is offered to teachers as a second language. (GINA)