Guyana President Irfaan Ali disclosed that the country and Saudi Arabia are working on a deal to build of a multi-million-dollar facility to improve CARICOM’s agriculture industry.

“Guyana is leading the discussion into a $25 million facility to accelerate food production, looking at a hydroponics facility for the entire region. We have submitted all the studies,” Ali said.

Cofident that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia understands fully the value of CARICOM as an important development and strategic partner in combatting the challenges in the world and implementing solutions, Ali said he is confident that before the year ends the initial part of the project will advance.

The Kingdom has also committed to creating a special window and giving some preferences for those in the region who wish to work beyond infrastructure, food, and energy. The Saudis pointed to the strengthening ofcultural exchange, tourism, and getting the private sector to invest.

Ali that the summit has led to CARICOM’s collective presence in Saudi Arabia, as well as the establishment of the Arab country’s physical presence in the Caribbean region.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia made available not only all their technical and ministerial resources but their private sector resources and financing. It has set aside $2.5 billion for the development of the region and approved a number of projects for different countries,” the president stated.

Some of those projects that were approved by Saudi Arabia in Guyana include the $150 million housing development project and the construction of the Wismar Bridge in Linden.

“I recall when I started this journey of expanding diplomatic relationship with the Middle East there were many political scientists offering views and I respect their views. But I consistently said the result is what matters. Today in every one of our engagements we can point to direct results,” Dr Ali stressed.