… but Jagdeo says laws must be enforced
Some persons are concerned about the increasing number of Chinese shops in communities all across the country but Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday said it is difficult for the government to restrict any such foreign ventures in Guyana.
He, however, noted that those businesses must comply with all local laws. If not, they should be held accountable.
“I spoke with about four persons and they recognise that you can’t stop foreigner once they get access into the country because we don’t have restrictions on foreigners or foreign companies estblishing businesses in Guyana.
“There’s no restriction on it and there is hard to put a restriction based on nationality,” Jagdeo said at a People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) press conference.
He explained that any restrictions based on nationality would be discriminatory. Further, such restrictions may run counter to World Trade Organization (WTO) arrangements and place Guyana in a “very difficult foreign policy situation.”
While restrictions may be difficult, the Vice President said more can be done to level the playing field for local and foreign businesses. Doing so, he said, requires the local authorities to enforce key laws and regulations that may be bypassed currently.
Jagdeo acknowledged that some of these foreign ventures evidently bypass regulatory approvals such as those needed in the construction of buildings. He also noted that there may be some Chinese businesses that sell several different items at one shop without the necessary permits to sell those items.
These occurrences, he said, must cease.
“We’ve made it clear to the regulatory bodies that you have to enforce the laws uniformly,” Jagdeo said.
Even as he addressed concerns about the Chinese businesses in Guyana, the Vice President noted that there are many who value their presence.
For some business persons, like those who rent to the Chinese, Jagdeo said the foreigners are well-supported because they generally pay on time.
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