Since the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2015, China has completed nearly 20 grant projects in Namibia, valued at approximately N$3 billion. This figure was confirmed yesterday by Chinese ambassador to Namibia, Zhang Yiming, at the signing of the Economic and Technical Cooperation Grant Agreement with Namibia. This latest agreement totals over N$936 million.
“China has been doing its best to provide various forms of assistance and support in multiple fields to Namibia. The 20 projects mentioned helped Namibia achieve its developmental goals in the areas of government capacity building, economic and social development, and people’s livelihoods,” said Yiming.
He added the construction of the Hosea Kutako International Airport expressway project currently being implemented, is a key venture aimed at reinvigorating post-epidemic tourism and revitalising the national economy by improving transportation infrastructure and enhancing the function of the airport hub.
“The project of constructing a satellite data receiving ground station and processing system is the specific example of cooperation between the two countries in the high-tech field of aerospace,” added Yiming.
The N$936 million grant agreement is also aimed at further cementing friendly relations between China and Namibia and strengthening economic and technical cooperation. This latest grant by the Asian giant is earmarked for projects that will be mutually agreed upon in Namibia.
Representing Namibia at the signing, Director General of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Obeth Kandjoze, said the agreement with China is grounded by the phrase that Namibia’s transformation will not come true by itself but rather by working hard in an honest transparent and inclusive manner.
He added government has to sit and decide on priority projects that qualify for this grant.
“Through the cooperation between the respective governments as we approach vision 2030, I am confident that the government of the Republic of China will complement Namibia’s developmental ambitions. Together, we inspire the spirit of our youth involvement,” said Kandjoze. -mndjavera@nepc.com.na