Space remains for China & US but Europe’s aid to Guyana is significant – Ambassador Cantó

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Guyana, Dr. Fernando Pontz Cantó being interviewed by the News Room’s Kurt Campbell [Photo: News Room/ August 19, 2022]

He hailed the visit of the EU’s Deputy Director for Americas, European External Action Service Mr. Javier Niño Pérez in 2021 as indicative of the growing appreciation that the EU has for Guyana.

But it was Mr. Pérez who had raised concerns in Georgetown about the pitfalls of borrowing from China and disagreed with claims that China offers better loan conditions.

China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan has already responded during a previous interview with the News Room, assuring Guyanese that loans and borrowing agreements with the Chinese government and Chinese banks are done through friendly consultations and negotiations.

And President Dr Irfaan Ali was also called upon to comment on China’s growing support for Guyana during a recent trip to the United States.

The Guyanese leader responded by urging the U.S to take up a more strategic place in the Caribbean while highlighting the neglect the region faced by the U.S while China had remained a constant friend.

Meanwhile, the outgoing EU Ambassador also spoke about the EU’s focus on restructuring and strengthening its 50-year-old relationship with Guyana.

“Now it’s better than ever. When I came, it was a good relationship but it has really increased a lot, enhanced politically… also economically.”

Imports and exports from the EU to Guyana have increased significantly in recent years with a new bilateral business chamber launched last week.

Similar bilateral chambers were established in recent years between Guyana and the USA and Canada with plans to establish the arrangement between the private sectors in Guyana and China and the United Kingdom.