President Irfaan Ali has indicated that Guyana and Suriname, are awaiting word from China on their joint request for concessional finance to build a bridge across the Corentyne River between the two countries.
On Wednesday, the President told reporters that the Chinese Government has been in contact with both countries, and a strategic dialogue is expected to take place soon.
“I know the Chinese Government is in talks with both governments, and about a week ago I had an engagement with the Chinese Ambassador on the very subject. So, we are hoping that within the coming weeks we can hear from China on the concessional financing aspect,” President Ali said.
He said there is “huge” interest in the project.
“What I have gathered so far is that there is a huge interest but I wouldn’t say unless I see it in writing,” President Ali said.
In the interim, the Joint Ministerial Committee of Suriname and Guyana has been meeting to work out the financing modalities for the construction of the bridge, which will connect Guyana and Suriname.
The process was initiated in November 2020 by Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi and Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali.
The two countries have long established the importance of having a fixed connection to advance economic opportunities between Guyana and Suriname, and ultimately enhance hemispheric connectivity with Brazil and the rest of the South American continent.
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