President Irfaan Ali announced the United Kingdom’s (UK) visa waiver for Guyanese is not only for visitors but about strengthening relationship and expanding economic opportunities between the two countries.
Speaking on Tuesday at a joint press conference with British High Commissioner Jane Miller, where the visa waiver announcement was made, Ali said the two countries are “pursuing very, very strong terms in favour of Guyana, fixed rate financing and less than three per cent, and that is how we have been pushing for financing.” It is difficult to achieve in this market but we are still pursuing this,” he pointed out.
According to him, just like the EXIM bank of the US, the UK also has facilities in which they build finance and transfer. The president said attention will be given to the drainage system in Georgetown, which needs rehabilitation, and the government is looking at the best technology available to do this in a very efficient manner.
These concrete drains would be constructed by the government in an effort to reduce flooding, and the government is looking at innovative ideas that can get the work done efficiently. The Government is hoping to secure financing from the UK.
Speaking to the visa issue the president said the two nations would be able to conduct more commerce and business.
The British High Commissioner announced “In mid-November, we’ll be having a trade mission here when British businesses will be coming here to experience all the opportunities in this wonderful country. We hope that with this visa lift, we look forward to welcoming many British and Guyanese businesses to the UK to explore farther opportunities.”
