The Guyanese Head of State was accompanied to Brazil by the Minister of Agriculture Satyadeow Sawh; Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Anthony Xavier, and Brazil's Ambassador to Guyana Ney do Prado Dieguez.

The presidential team left Guyana on Friday last on a three-day visit.

According to a release, discussions in Brazil centered on the implementation of a corridor between Boa Vista and Guyana, to improve trade and relations between the two countries. The project does not only cover the establishment of the road but also focuses on the creation of industries, plantation type agriculture, fiber optic cables connecting the two countries, and electricity.

President Jagdeo noted that the project is mutually beneficial to both countries adding that the advantage to both countries is great since the project is not one-sided.

He assured that Brazilians are welcome to settle in Guyana, pointing out that Brazilian nationals who have already settled here and are doing quite well.

It was also pointed out by President Jagdeo, that people wanting to settle here would have to work within the provisions of the law.

According to President Jagdeo, not many Guyanese living in Brazil but as the relationship between the two countries develops many others will be willing to settle in the neighbouring country.

President Jagdeo and team's visit included meeting with the Governor and officials of the State of Roraima; tours of several facilities for a first hand look at locally grown produce including soya bean, corn, sunflower, cotton and grass used to feed cattle and other livestock.

The Guyanese Head of State and team also visited the Tambaqui Farm where fish is being reared and the Melamazonia honey factory.

President Jagdeo pointed out that he was impressed with the advanced application of technology in the agriculture sector in Brazil. He noted that agriculture in Brazil is done on a large scale, unlike in Guyana where even though there is adequate land space here for cultivation.

He noted too that apart from rice and sugar, agriculture in Guyana is on a subsistence scale.

This recent visit, the President noted, was to learn about experiences in tackling similar problems, since the two countries are alike in terms of soil type, terrain and weather, and applying the techniques in the Intermediate Savannahs and other areas with similar soil types.

President Jagdeo pointed out that his last visit to Brazil in July/August generated the signing of several agreements that would facilitate closer ties with Brazil. These included a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for an investment project between the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) and a Brazilian firm, Investa Brazil, which will include the completion of the road and deep-water harbour in Guyana.

Another agreement, the Partial Scope Agreement, allows for trade between the two countries in a limited quantity. It would allow Guyana to export rice and sugar to Brazil as well as duty free concessions on exported goods.

Brazil and Guyana also signed an agreement for the abolition of visas for tourists, which are expected to boost the tourism sector in both countries. However, the agreement will have to be ratified by the Brazilian Congress before being enacted.

Research was effected on soil type and adaptability of various crops in Brazil and due to the similarity in soil and weather in both countries, Government is looking to working with the Brazilian authorities to effect some of the successful techniques in Guyana so as to increase production.

While on the visit, the President and his team took time off to interact with Guyanese living in Brazil and hear of their problems.

President Jagdeo who also encouraged Guyanese residing in Brazil to form an association of Guyanese so as to solve problems, assured that should they need assistance, the Government would be willing to help in whatever way possible.

Questions on the development of Lethem, the border village between the two countries, were raised and President Jagdeo noted that plans are in train for the area to be converted to a township.

In July/August, President Jagdeo visited Brasilia for three day and met Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva when they examined issues on bilateral, regional and international agenda.

President Jagdeo was then accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Rudy Insanally, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Mr. Anthony Xavier, Minister of Education, Dr. Henry Jeffrey, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manzoor Nadir and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GO-INVEST, Mr. Geoffrey Da Silva, to Brasilia for a three-day visit.

While there, the Head of State and delegation visited several areas in Brazil including a Honda factory and SIVAM military base. A number of agreements were signed and the two leaders agreed on a wide range of issues, which included the Guyana-Brazil road link.