[www.inewsguyana.com] – Newly appointed Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr Nicole Giles today met with Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Robert Persaud to discuss issues relating to the continued working relationship between Canada and Guyana with particular emphasis on the focused sub-sectors of natural resources and the environment.
Minister Persaud deliberated on the work of his ministry and its relationship with both local and foreign stakeholders. Emphasis was placed on the national parks, protected areas, oil and gas developments and the growth of the extractive industries in Guyana.
The Minister noted that the relationship between the two countries for the extractive sectors has been on best practices and capacity building and all coordinating activities have been results oriented.
In this regard, the Guyana Government views Canada as a vital partner for accelerating the country’s developmental agenda.
Both the Minister and the High Commissioner have agreed to ensure that there will be regular discussion forums for Canadian investors and local agencies to deliberate on both challenges and opportunities within the Guyana economy.
It was highlighted that Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy is pivotal to the sustainable development of the mining industry and the management our natural and environmental resources.
Meanwhile, the Government of Guyana is working with other external partners such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and the Commonwealth Secretariat to enhance the governance of all the sub-sectors. The mining sector of the Guyana economy is very critical to social and economic stability of Guyana.
High Commissioner Giles applauded Minister Persaud and his Ministry for the strategic and comprehensive approach to the development of the natural resources and environmental sector. The High Commissioner emphasized that she is very excited to continue to work with the MoNRE and the various stakeholders of the sectors to ensure that Canada’s developmental agenda is linked to the and foreign policies for improved bilateral relations.
