Granger plugs ‘green’ opportunities for Chinese investors
–at opening of New Thriving restaurant branch
President David Granger last evening urged Chinese investors to also expand into agriculture and agroprocessing in order to drive the green economy.
Speaking at the grand opening of the New Thriving Restaurant on the second floor of the Amazonia Mall at Providence, East Bank Demerara, Granger said that while Guyana is in transition to becoming a green state, Chinese investors should also place emphasis on driving a green agenda.
“This country has abundant lands which can be used for agricultural purposes and we have the potential to supply all the agriculture produce needed by all the local restaurants,” the president said.
“We would like to see all of our agricultural produce, everything that is being used by the New Thriving Restaurant, every bowl of rice, every leaf of lettuce, every breast of chicken, be produced right here in Guyana,” he said, while urging the proprietors of the restaurant to invest in local produce.
He added that he is encouraging them to start investing in agriculture and agro-processing so that Guyana can become the focal point for food security around the Caribbean.
Granger said that while Chinese entrepreneurs are having a positive effect on Guyana’s economic development, he is welcoming Chinese investment that will see the further progression of the state. “The Chinese presence in Guyana is not transitory, it is permanent; it is perennial. The first Chinese came as indentured labourers but many remained to distinguish themselves in future academia, in agriculture, business, engineering, law, medicine and other professions,” he said.
Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Cui Jianchun, in brief remarks, encouraged the proprietors of the restaurant to ensure that they assist with the social development of the country and to provide hope for all Guyanese.
The Amazonia Mall New Thriving Restaurant is said to have the capacity to hold 600 persons for dining and 1,000 for cocktails.