President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has said the Caribbean region and Africa must develop a structured mechanism for enhanced trade relations.
President Ali made these remarks during an interview with the African Prosperity Network after receiving the African Prosperity Champions Award in Accra, Ghana.
In the live broadcast on Saturday, he emphasised that greater intra-regional trade and integration policies can open doors for significant investments.
With these policies in place, the Caribbean and Africa would be better positioned to utilise each other’s goods and services for shared development.
President Ali highlighted the crucial need for more transportation link, before adding that Guyana’s geographical location and budding relationship with Africa can facilitate this expansion.
He stressed that human resource development must be prioritised.
The Guyanese head of state pointed to the growing emergence of digitisation, noting that countries must invest in their human resources to cope with these changes, and adapt to the new environment.
President Ali also highlighted Ghana’s example within its petroleum industry and how Guyana has adopted this model to craft its Local Content Legislation.
Earlier this year, President Ali received the Global Africa Leadership Award for his strong and transformational leadership.
The Guyanese leader was lauded for his ‘One Guyana’ philosophy, which promotes inclusive development and unity.
He was also recognised for ‘protecting his country from an outrageous and aggressive attempt of neo-colonisation and unwarranted foreign aggression’.
According to the president, the award signifies the strengthened connection between Africa and the Caribbean.
READ MORE: Caribbean, Africa need ‘structured mechanisms’ to boost trade – President Ali – DPI Guyana