In wake of the VICE News report on the alleged involvement of Chinese businesses in corrupt activities in Guyana, the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana has dismissed the report as part of a smear campaign against Chinese companies.
In a brief comment to reporters on Monday, Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan said relations between Guyana and China are good and she sees the Vice News report as an effort to strain those relations.
“The undercover journalist that came, came with a predetermined agenda and I think the purpose is clear, one of their purpose is to smear the Chinese companies here and attack the China-Guyana cooperation”, the Chinese Ambassador said.
Guyana and China will be celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations this year. The Chinese Government through its various initiatives has funded several major projects in Guyana over the years.
The Vice News report also examined the influence of China in the Caribbean region, especially in countries like Guyana.
Vice News is an American news agency that has been focusing on China’s influence in the world. In its latest report titled “Guyana For Sale”, persons posing as undercover Chinese investors met and held discussions about investing in Guyana with other Chinese businessmen who are already here.
One of the businessmen was recorded as saying that investors have to pay bribes to be guaranteed projects in the country. The Guyana Government has dismissed that claim.
The Chinese Ambassador said the Chinese businesses that have been operating in Guyana have all been operating here legally.
“The Chinese government and the Embassy are always requiring and we believe that Chinese businesses here in Guyana have been doing business and following the local laws and international practice and market rules and they participate in projects through open and fair competition”, she said.
The main opposition political parties in Guyana have issued a call for a full international probe to be conducted into the claims of bribery and corruption leveled against the Vice President of Guyana in the Vice News piece.
The Vice President has denied the claims.
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