(MENAFN- Caribbean News Global)
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, (DPI) – Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago are advancing bilateral cooperation on energy, food security and climate change, among other areas. This follows a series of meetings held in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, where President Dr Irfaan Ali is on a state visit.
President Ali and his Trinidadian counterpart, Dr Keith Rowley, held a joint press conference on Thursday, reiterating the strengthening partnership between the countries.
President Ali said the two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states share a strong cultural bond.
“What we are working towards is an agenda through which we can build a sustainable path that will bring prosperity and opportunity that will advance the interest of the people of Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. We are not here to create an environment in which one side sees itself as the winner,” said Dr Ali.
The aim is to create and advance institutions that see both countries develop strategically, he asserted.
power
Speaking about the energy sector, President Ali underlined that there are tremendous opportunities for both nations. He said there must be a strategic approach to build a solid path towards energy sustainability, resilience and support for the CARICOM region.
“That’s a big part of our agenda with the US as well… so that we can have a path to energy security that is inclusive and inclusive of all the assets that we have within the region. Our human assets, our technological assets, our experience and also our natural resources,” he said.
tourISm
As the partnership continues in the hospitality sector, the Head of State noted that Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago will continue to push the tourism industry and focus heavily on trade opportunities. Guyana’s tourism minister, Oneidge Walrond, and her counterpart in Trinidad and Tobago will soon follow a path that will see new products developed for existing markets.
In addition, President Ali noted that countries are also weighing options to minimize the cost of air transportation.
At the local level, the government has been working to equip the sector with all the necessary capital to develop and improve Guyana’s human resources to meet the demands of the rapidly growing economy.
Food security
Meanwhile, Dr Ali underlined that there is no luxury of time to advance the issue of food security. He added that food security is not only important from a price perspective.
“You may have money, but you don’t have food. We are seeing in many developed countries a lot of empty shelves,” he added, “also the twin island has a sophisticated manufacturing and processing industry previously, along with the energy cost advantage.”
Since taking office, the PPP/C administration has implemented policies to build the resilience of the agriculture sector as it remains steadfast against all challenges.
Several investments have been made to ensure that farmers and agro-processors have access to more market opportunities and consumers have access to more affordable food.
In addition, the National Agricultural Extension and Research Institute (NAREI) was allocated $1.27 billion in the 2022 budget – an increase of $34 million from 2021 – to further diversify the production base and ensure Guyana’s food security .
Climate change
Similarly, President Ali noted that Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago are the least contributors to climate change, but are still among the countries significantly affected.
“In Guyana, we have 19.5 gigatons of carbon… if we put this asset together with the blue economy and look at what we are doing in both countries to protect the environment, we can be part of a solution to climate change,” Dr. Ali emphasized the drive to build production capacity that will ensure that input is there to optimize production.
President Ali added that the two countries are joining their efforts to remove non-tariff barriers and provide more access to technology and education.
Furthermore, he claimed that the overall aim is to ensure that the right policy and framework are developed and put in place to support investment, local farmers, the regional trade system and the logistics industry.
Furthermore, Dr Ali emphasized that “tough decisions” must be made to face the challenges facing the world. He added that the approach will leave a sustainable path for the future development and prosperity of the people of the two countries.
The intensive development talks followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, and his Trinidadian counterpart, Dr Amery Browne, on 22 May.
It ensures renewed and expanded cooperation in the fields of trade and investment.
It is also expected to address non-tariff barriers and other obstacles to the flow of goods and services, pursuing enhanced cooperation in agriculture and food security, energy, infrastructure, security, tourism, education, sports and culture. The agreement will also aim to enhance the sustainable and resilient development of the two countries and advance the CARICOM common market and economy.
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