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Senegal needs more China aid- President
February 17, 2014, 11:12 am

Sall lauded the investment of Chinese companies in Senegal, while asking for better ties between the private sectors between the two countries [AP]

Sall lauded the investment of Chinese companies in Senegal, while asking for better ties between the private sectors between the two countries [AP]

Senegalese President Macky Sall said on Monday he will ask China to provide more help to Senegal’s development like other African nations in the “spirit of win-win partnership”.

Sall lauded the investment of Chinese companies in Senegal, while asking for better ties between the private sectors between the two countries.

Senegal is seeking Chinese investment in the energy sector and infrastructure projects. China turned Africa’s largest trade partner in 2009.

“It is important that there’s a partnership between Chinese companies and the Senegalese private sector in the projects that we shall jointly initiate with the Chinese side. There should be employment on both sides so that both sides benefits from the partnership. This is the spirit that should guide our future partnership,” Sall told Chinese media in Dakar.

Sall leaves on Wednesday for Beijing, the first China visit by an African President this year.

“Since we have a number of initiatives that will be launched, in which Chinese companies have already positioned themselves in, there should be a place for joint-ventures with Senegalese companies or collaboration,” he continued.

The President also said the new vision roadmap, Emerging Senegal, aims for a economic growth between 7 to 8 per cent in the next 10 years.

“It is on this basis that we shall achieve the emerging economy status. But we shall need to make good use of Senegal’s strengths and try to neutralize the weaknesses,” he said.

“We also have the desire to improve the investment climate in Senegal. There are still some challenges, but we are doing everything possible to address them,” the president concluded.

Senegal said last week it has raised $520.8 million in debt to finance infrastructure which includes building ports, airports and roads from African institutional investors and from international markets.

China’s direct investment has been rising at a fast pace across different sectors in Senegal.

Commercial exchanges between China and Senegal have grown by more than 30 per cent year on year and is estimated to have reached $540 million in 2013 according to official figures.

 

TBP and Agencies