Africa welcomes President Xi Jinping's visit

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Editor's note: Hisham AbuBakr Metwally is the First Economist Researcher at the Central Department for Export & Import Policy under the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Industry. The article reflects the author’s opinions, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s choice of Africa being his first overseas trip since the beginning of his second term as the leader is a symbolic step toward the Sino-Africa partnership. It also signifies China as one of the continent's closest economic and diplomatic allies.

The purpose for Xi's visit is not only to attend the tenth BRICS summit which will be held in South Africa, but to further cement bilateral relationships among three countries – Senegal, Rwanda, and Mauritius.

The African continent warmly welcomes the visit of President Xi Jinping, and understands that the visit always carries fruitful outcomes. His visit has always been full of constructive initiatives and moral support for the African continent.

Why are African countries strongly in favor of cooperation with China? Africa has been colonized for decades, and the natural wealth of the continent has been looted by colonial powers and that has resulted in regional underdevelopment and corruption.

Although, after Africa gained independence, Western countries and the United States have been providing the African continent with financial aid and has invested in non-development projects.

However, China has proved that it is not only helping for its own interests, but to benefit the African continent. China has proposed a lot of mega-projects, made cheap goods and has helped raise the standard of living in many countries across Africa.

July 19, 2018: Senegalese President Macky Sall says Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming state visit to Senegal will be a historic one with great importance to the future of bilateral ties during an interview in Dakar, Senegal. /Xinhua Photo

It also sells raw materials to Africa with fair prices; otherwise, the monopolized market would be formed by the West. China deals with all countries on the continent on the principle of mutual respect and mutual benefit. This principle also echoes the basic starting point of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Why is China heading to the west of Africa? China has intensified cooperation with the north, east and south of the African continent over the past period for the purpose of reviving the Silk Road – to find a way that will help transport Chinese goods through Africa and to the Europe, and facilitating the arrival of raw materials to China to ensure the rotation of the production wheel.

The construction of Africa's infrastructure and industrial zones has also revived the Chinese market especially the machinery sector. Given the rapid global events and with the invitation from Senegal, China can see that it is the time to boost relations with the West African countries.

President Xi Jinping starts his visit to Africa with Senegal which is a clear indication of the importance of Senegal to China. It's the proper time for China and Senegal to adopt a long-term approach in developing their relations.

China and Senegal established diplomatic relations in 1971, but cut ties in 1996. In 2005, China and Senegal restored diplomatic ties, and in 2016, they lifted bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

China seeks to advance strategic goals bringing West Africa into the “Belt and Road.” China views Senegal as a gateway to the West African region. Also, China regards Senegal as an important cooperation partner and is ready to build their bilateral relationship into a “model of friendly relations between China and West African countries.”

The Presidential Palace in Dakar, Senegal /VCG Photo

Senegal is strategically located at the intersection of Saharan and sub-Saharan Africa and the Port of Dakar is one of the largest and most efficient deepwater seaports along the West African coast.

Dakar’s new airport opened in December 2017 and rivals that of Abidjan. It will soon become a regional transport hub. Senegal is an ideal partner as China seeks to expand its political and economic reach in Africa.

For Senegal, it is an opportunity to direct China’s engagements into those sectors where it has a comparative advantage, and that will help the country realize its ambitious economic development plan.

President Xi’s visit to Rwanda aims to strengthen bilateral relations and Rwanda is hoping to integrate itself into the burgeoning railway networks in East Africa as part of the Belt and Road.

As for the visit to Mauritius, Xi will focus on strengthening relations between the two countries and enhance the Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean. The visit to South Africa will include attending the BRICS summit as well as strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

While Europe and America have seemingly abandoned the African continent, the Chinese president is heading to the continent, showing his determination to deepen cooperation and further relations with Africa and boost cooperation with West Africa countries.

This will increase the trust of African countries in China, China's leadership and strengthen strategic partnership with China.