As the sun set on Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Li Qiang, the Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Shanghai Municipal Committee, boarded a plane to head back home after meeting with President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. Li's trip to the DRC was aimed at strengthening ties between China and the DRC, and securing Chinese investment and assistance in the DRC's development projects.
Li's visit is just one example of the growing bond between China and African countries. In recent years, China has increased its investment in Africa, citing the immense potential for economic growth in the continent. The DRC is particularly rich in mineral resources such as cobalt, which is essential for the production of electric car batteries, and has been referred to as the "Saudi Arabia of cobalt".
The meeting between Li Qiang and President Tshisekedi Tshilombo further cements the relationship between China and the DRC. China is already the DRC's largest trading partner, and in 2020, bilateral trade between the two countries reached a record high of $2.1 billion. In addition, China has invested heavily in the DRC, with China's Exim Bank providing over $7 billion in loans to the DRC for infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, and power plants. These projects have not only promoted economic development in the DRC, but have also created job opportunities for locals.
Furthermore, China has played an important role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. China has provided medical supplies, sent medical experts to African countries, and helped build COVID-19 testing labs. In the DRC, China contributed over 6,000 coronavirus test kits, face masks, and ventilators to support the country's fight against the pandemic.
The growing economic relationship between China and the DRC has already had significant impact on local communities. For example, in the city of Lubumbashi, the capital of the Haut-Katanga province, Chinese companies have invested in copper and cobalt mines, revitalising the local mining industry. Local communities have benefited from increased employment opportunities, better infrastructure, and improved living standards as a result.
However, there have also been reports of challenges faced by local communities due to the China-DRC relationship. Some have raised concerns over the environmental impacts of mining activities carried out by Chinese companies. Others have raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability when it comes to Chinese investment in the DRC. Nevertheless, both China and the DRC are committed to addressing these issues and building a mutually beneficial relationship.
The growing relationship between China and the DRC has the potential to benefit both parties in numerous ways. China can benefit from the DRC's vast mineral resources and market potential, while the DRC can benefit from China's investment and assistance in development projects. Furthermore, the relationship can contribute to stability and peace in the region, creating a more conducive environment for economic growth and development. However, it is important to ensure that the relationship is built on mutual respect, transparency, and sustainable development.
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International Relations
Curated by Team Akash.Mittal.Blog
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