Namibia Seeks Stronger Ties with China Following 9th FOCAC Summit
Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba has expressed optimism about the future of China-Africa relations after attending the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held from September 4 to 6 in Beijing. In an exclusive interview, President Mbumba highlighted the significant outcomes of the summit, including the adoption of the Beijing Declaration on Jointly Building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.
“You can’t talk about development without thinking or talking about China,” President Mbumba remarked, acknowledging China’s pivotal role on the global stage. He emphasized that the agreements reached during the summit are not just diplomatic statements but actionable plans that will benefit African nations of all sizes and development levels.
Nurturing National Champions
President Mbumba outlined Namibia’s ambitious goals to foster growth in its industrial and mining sectors. “We aim to nurture national champions that can compete globally,” he stated. Collaboration with China is seen as a key driver in achieving these objectives, given China’s expertise and investment capabilities in these industries.
Advancing Green Energy Production
Amid global calls for sustainable development, Namibia plans to contribute significantly to green energy production. “We are committed to playing our part in addressing climate change,” President Mbumba affirmed. Partnerships with Chinese companies and technological assistance are expected to accelerate Namibia’s green energy initiatives.
Expanding Agricultural Exports
Another focal point of Namibia’s cooperation with China is the agricultural sector. President Mbumba expressed keen interest in exporting more agricultural and meat products to the Chinese market. “Our high-quality products have great potential in China, and we look forward to expanding our trade,” he said.
A Shared Future
Reflecting on the theme of the summit, President Mbumba expressed confidence that the strengthened ties between China and Africa will lead to mutual prosperity. “Together, we can build a community with a shared future that benefits both our peoples,” he concluded.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
