The Governments of Brazil and Guyana are seeking help from the US$10-billion China-Latin America Infrastructure Fund to finance a highway connecting the two South American nations, news agency Associated Press reported.

Guyana’s Finance Minister Carl Greenidge said on Saturday the two nations have agreed to begin talks with China about the project. A feasibility study is needed to determine the project’s cost, the report said.

The 563-kilometre highway, which would pass through a rainforest area, would give Brazil access to the Caribbean and Central America, while providing Guyana access to mountain regions, thus facilitating bilateral trade, Associated Press reported.

To support co-operation projects between China and other countries, China launched the China-Latin America Infrastructure Fund in early January.