Beijing — Chinese President Xi Jinping says Chinese funds are not for "vanity projects" in Africa but are to build infrastructure that can remove bottlenecks in the continent’s development. Speaking at a business forum ahead of the start of a once-every-three-years China Africa summit, Xi said: "Resources for our co-operation are not to be spent on any vanity projects, but in places where they count the most.… Inadequate infrastructure is believed to be the biggest bottleneck to Africa’s development." Chinese officials say the 2018 summit will strengthen Africa’s role in Xi’s Belt and Road initiative to link China by sea and land through an infrastructure network modelled on the old Silk Road with southeast and central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Xi said that the plan, for which Beijing has pledged $126bn, would help provide more resources and facilities for Africa, and would expand shared markets. Chinese businesses in Africa should take up social responsibilities, do...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.