Africa wants robust, dynamic relations with China: PM Hailemariam

Addis Ababa, March 11 (WIC) - In an exclusive interview with CCTV, the newly appointed Chairperson of the African Union and current Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, said Africa is looking forward to a robust and dynamic economic relationship with China.

In an exclusive interview with CCTV, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister and chairperson of the African Union, PM Hailemariam, said he was confident that Sino-African relations would continue to grow under China’s new leadership.

The premier said, "A new leadership is coming. We expect the new leadership will not bring a new policy towards to China-Africa relation. Because the China-Africa policy is a strong policy and relationship which is already in place. We expect the new leadership will bring this to high level.

And we, in Africa, are also very much prepared to see that china-Africa relationship, which is very excellent, to go to a higher level. So we are also committed to continue the recent agreement we have made - FOCAC which is the basis for relationship between China and Africa."
China’s engagement in infrastructure projects such as the construction of roads, railways, ports, and airports spans various African countries.

PM Hailemariam said Ethiopia will continue to take advantage of the opportunities the Sino-Africa relationship presents. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation provides an opportunity for Ethiopia and other countries to beef up its relations with the East.

The Premier said, "Had it not been the relationship between China and Ethiopia, it could have been difficult for Ethiopia to implement all this infrastructure projects, be it in power, roads, in railways and telecom.

China has its own dealt in these projects in Ethiopia. That could not happen without the Chinese involvement in our country so we are grateful for that. We are thankful for the government and people of China for doing so."
In its recent report, the World Bank said China was now the largest bilateral source of Foreign Direct Investment in African countries.(ERTA)