Gabon-China deal could drive local processing of raw materials
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on AGP Gabon
Academic Arnaud Lilian Bilie says the 'shared future community' agreement signed by Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and Xi Jinping in Beijing should lead to greater local processing of Gabon's raw materials with more Chinese capital. It is an analytical interview, according to the Gabonese Press Agency.
Gabonese international relations analyst Arnaud Lilian Bilie believes the commitment made in Beijing by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to elevate relations between Gabon and China to a 'shared future community' should promote greater local processing of Gabon's raw materials, with more Chinese capital, according to an interview with the Gabonese Press Agency (AGP).
For Arnaud Lilian Bilie, this approach marks an evolution in China's cooperation strategy launched in 2013-2014. He believes Beijing now seeks to build projects jointly defined with partner countries, so that investments benefit both sides and commitments are formalised in agreements.
The specialist considers that this approach is no longer limited to exploiting resources intended to generate revenue, but should also enable Gabon to develop local processing activities. His analysis comes the day after the decision to elevate Gabon-China cooperation to an alliance announced on 6 November.
