EAC and China explore areas of cooperation
ARUSHA, Tanzania, February 23, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Director Department of West Asian and African Affairs in the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Chai Zhijing, accompanied by Mr. Lu Dongqing, the Second Secretary in the Chinese Embassy in the United Republic of Tanzania today paid a working visit to the EAC Secretariat and held discussions with the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Juma V. Mwapachu.
The Secretary General was accompanied by the EAC Director for Planning, Mr. Tharcisse Kadede and other senior officials.
The Chinese delegation were at the EAC Headquarters to explore areas of cooperation specifically trade and investment opportunities in areas such as agriculture, animal-husbandry, production and processing of mineral and other natural resources, manufacturing, commerce and logistics, and tourism.
The delegation was also interested to know how the People’s Republic of China could support and facilitate cross-border infrastructure projects such as transport, communication, and power.
The Chinese and EAC officials also discussed cooperation in human resource development and training.
Amb. Mwapachu noted that the visit by the Director will open further the cooperation space between China and the EAC. He said the prevalence of Chinese Firms in the region was very high in the construction industry and several other infrastructural developments. He noted that Chinese companies were involved in the construction of the EAC Arusha-Namanga-Athi River Road project
The Secretary General said that the Community was truly looking forward to forging a lasting relationship with the People’s Republic of China.
Mr. Chai Zhijing stated that China has very good economic and cultural relations with all the five Partner States of the East African Community and all the 5 states were enjoying economic stability. He said EAC had a reputable framework for integration and development for the region, adding that “these form the solid basis for establishing cooperation with the People’s Republic of China”.
The two sides agreed to come up with a concrete framework for engaging each other in the identified areas of cooperation, within one month.
SOURCE
East African Community (EAC)
