The President, in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), said the long overdue State visit to China further cemented the existing relationship between the two countries.

President Jagdeo was able to hold discussions with China’s President, Prime Minister and Speaker of the National Assembly, among other Government officials, on matters of concern to all Guyanese.

He also met several Provincial Leaders, which he said, is an indication of the closeness developed between the two countries.

The President hopes that there would be some amount of Chinese investment coming out of his visit to China. He visited the Fujian University which specialises in scientific research. He was fortunate to witness the various stages of mushroom cultivation. Mushroom production is a possible area of cooperation between the two countries.

The Leaders of Guangzhou and Fuzhou, the two provinces in China have agreed that a group from the two cities would examine investment and timber opportunities in Guyana.

The Head of State said that Guyana’s strategic location in South America and the Caribbean, and its possible role in the Free Trade Area of the Americas, make Guyana a large base for capitalizing on the hemispheric Free Trade Agreement.

Responding to the question of leaving the country at a time when it was in crisis, the President said that it is necessary to maintain relationships with other countries as a means of protecting the country’s sovereignty.

“China has been very helpful in many areas, “ Mr. Jagdeo said. He pointed out that he has to ensure that diplomatic issues and concerns of the country move forward.