China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has significantly contributed to Guyana’s economic and social development, according to the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown.
The BRI is a massive infrastructure investment project led by China aimed at improving trade, communication and connectivity with partner countries around the world.
The United States (US) Department of State in its 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report cited the lack of vetting by the Guyanese authorities in its agreements with the Chinese Government for projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.
“Chinese nationals working on Chinese state-affiliated projects through the Belt and Road Initiative as well as mining sites owned by China-based companies, face conditions indicative of forced labour,” the State Department said in its report released on Thursday. But was disputed by the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown on Friday.
In a statement, a Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy said the report seeks to smear bilateral economic and trade cooperation between Guyana and China. It was further noted that over the past 54 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Guyana have consistently upheld the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and continued to deepen practical cooperation across various fields.
“Jointly building the Belt and Road has injected strong impetus into Guyana’s economic and social development. Chinese companies have actively participated in Guyana’s economic development, created jobs, trained skilled workers, improved people’s livelihoods, and made positive contributions to Guyana’s modernisation,” the Spokesperson stated.
According to the Chinese official, the evidence of this cooperation is there for the Guyanese people to see. In fact, the missive went on to add that, “China stands ready to work with Guyana to continue advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation across various fields, and make new and greater contributions to Guyana’s economic and social development and the well-being of its people.”
Under the previous A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration, Guyana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the People’s Republic of China on cooperation within the framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative.
The MoU allowed for enhanced cooperation in five main areas such as policy coordination, facilities connectivity, trade and investment, financial integration and people-to-people interaction, with public infrastructure also being a major focus under this agreement.
During a visit to China in July 2023, President Dr Irfaan Ali agreed to advance to the next stage under China’s main international cooperation and economic strategy following an engagement with President Xi Jinping.
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