Chinese companies have invested approximately US$13 billion in Guyana, according to Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Yang Yang, as the two countries deepen economic cooperation across infrastructure, healthcare, energy and other sectors.
Yang disclosed the figure during a reception in Georgetown marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. She said the cumulative investment had reached approximately US$13 billion by the end of 2025, highlighting major projects including the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge and the Aurora Solar Farm.
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The ambassador also cited US$2.89 billion in bilateral trade in 2025, describing it as more than double the level recorded in 2024. Guyanese officials, however, have reported a lower figure based on domestic trade statistics. Prime Minister Mark Phillips said two-way trade reached approximately US$1.8 billion, with Guyana’s exports to China rising to a record US$501 million.
According to Guyana’s Bureau of Statistics, the country imported US$1.287 billion in goods from China in 2025, making China its third-largest source of imports. Chinese goods accounted for 12.6 percent of Guyana’s total imports. The difference between the official Guyanese trade figures and the Chinese Embassy’s US$2.89 billion figure has not been fully explained and may reflect differences in reporting or methodology.
Yang pointed to several areas where Chinese investment and cooperation have contributed to Guyana’s development. These include the construction of six regional hospitals, healthcare training, renewable energy and infrastructure. She said the Aurora Solar Farm is expected to reduce diesel consumption by approximately 18 million litres annually.
The ambassador also highlighted China’s role in Guyana’s healthcare sector, saying Chinese medical teams have worked in the country for 33 years and have treated nearly 1.31 million patients and performed more than 70,000 surgeries. She said nine Guyanese doctors travelled to China’s Jiangsu province in 2026 for specialised training, while about 40 healthcare professionals participated in digital-healthcare training.
Prime Minister Phillips said Guyana’s expanding economy is creating opportunities for further cooperation with China, particularly as the country seeks to diversify beyond oil and gas. He identified agriculture, manufacturing, energy, technology, healthcare, sustainable urban development and infrastructure as areas with potential for expanded collaboration.
The growing economic relationship comes as Guyana continues to experience rapid growth driven largely by its expanding oil industry. Government data shows the economy grew by an estimated 33.3 percent in the first half of 2026, while the non-oil economy expanded by 10.1 percent. The government has said it is using the country’s expanding revenues and investment activity to support infrastructure and broader economic development.
China’s growing commercial presence is also reflected in the country’s energy sector. Chinese state-owned company CNOOC holds a 25 percent interest in the Stabroek Block, Guyana’s principal oil-producing asset. Against this backdrop, Georgetown and Beijing are signaling plans for continued cooperation as Guyana pursues infrastructure development, economic diversification and greater investment in non-oil sectors.
