China-Gabon: New agreements to accelerate bilateral cooperation

China and Gabon are strengthening their cooperation in several strategic sectors. On Friday in Beijing, the two countries concluded a series of agreements covering security, trade, industrialization, supply chains, and Chinese language education. This new step is accompanied by a major decision: to elevate their relations to the status of a "community with a shared future in the new era."

The signing of these agreements took place at the Great Hall of the People, in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Gabonese counterpart, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. On this occasion, Xi Jinping reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to supporting Gabon in consolidating its political, economic, and diplomatic independence. He specifically advocated for increased investment and trade, as well as enhanced cooperation in industrial development.

The Chinese leader also highlighted the preferential trade measures granted to African countries, including the exemption of certain products from customs duties, to facilitate their access to the Chinese market. He further called for increased dialogue on governance issues and strengthened cooperation on international and regional challenges, particularly those concerning countries of the Global South.

For his part, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema encouraged Chinese companies to increase their investments in his country, with the aim of supporting industrialization and promoting sustainable development.
The Gabonese president welcomed the trade facilities offered by Beijing, believing they could further open the Chinese market to African products.

Djamila Kambou