Djibouti-China relations reached an all-time high this week, as representatives participated in the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
The Forum, the highest profile international event promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, was attended by nearly 30 foreign heads of state and government, and representatives from more than 130 countries and 70 international organisations.
Djibouti was represented by the Chairman of Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA), Aboubaker Omar Hadi. The Chairman held high-level meetings with Chinese companies, who have expressed their desire to invest in Djibouti. Speaking at the meetings, Mr. Hadi emphasized Djibouti’s role as a key trade hub on the Maritime Silk Road.
“Our strategic location and world-class facilities have seen Djibouti’s importance as a trade hub recognised globally. China has selected Djibouti to be a key part of this much needed initiative. We look forward to further consolidating our win-win cooperation in all areas.
Djibouti has partnered with China on a number of projects in recent years, including the construction of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway and the Djibouti International Free Trade Zone (DIFTZ), which is set to become the largest of its kind in Africa.
China is also a key stakeholder in the US$590 million Dolaleh Multipurpose Port (DMP) project. The ultra-modern port, jointly funded by China Merchant Holdings, is due to be inaugurated later this month.
Launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative seeks to bridge the global infrastructure gap. Through investments in excess of US$1 trillion, the initiative represents the biggest economic plan in history, with the potential to have an impact on more than one billion people worldwide.
At the Forum, China’s Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli stated: “We countries along the Belt and Road are working together… We are inspired to pursue common prosperity and development with expanded friendship, greater confidence and enhanced cooperation.”
