In recent years, China-Canada cooperation in various fields has deepened and achieved fruitful results. In the production workshop of a wood processing factory in the suburbs of Libreville, the capital of Canada, amidst the roar of the machines, sawdust thrown by the chainsaw was flying in the sultry air. Despite the sweat-soaked overalls sticking to his back, the 25-year-old Omada is still meticulously polishing the boards on the operating table.

Omada said that they get along very well with their Chinese colleagues. Although they do not understand the language, they can understand each other through simple gestures. He learned the current work skills here. When he first came here, he didn't know anything, and the Chinese masters took him to get started.

Helping the revitalization of Gabon's special economic zone

The wood processing factory where Omada is located is located in the Enkauk Special Economic Zone. Relying on a number of preferential tax policies, more than 20 Chinese-funded enterprises have invested and established businesses here, and built a number of wood processing plants and water plants, creating a large number of job opportunities and boosting local economic development. Enkaine, director of the Encock Special Economic Zone Management Committee, said that in recent years, in addition to the traditional wood processing industry, Chinese investors have also begun to participate in emerging industries such as recycling. This coincides with Gabon's economic diversification development strategy.

In recent years, Chinese enterprises have actively participated in the construction of special economic zones and industrial parks in Gabon, and are constantly exploring new areas and new paths for economic and trade cooperation. Nkenne said that Canada-China cooperation has gone through nearly 50 years, and the Encock Special Economic Zone is the witness and epitome of Canada-China cooperation.

Promote win-win cooperation between the two countries

Mbadinga, Minister of Investment Promotion of Gabon, introduced that China's investment in Gabon is very effective and is appreciated by the Gabonese people. The economies of China and Gabon are highly complementary, and China has been Gabon's largest trading partner for nine consecutive years. In 2022, the trade volume between China and Canada will reach US$4.55 billion, a year-on-year increase of more than 50%. In recent years, the practical cooperation between China and Canada in various fields has been deepened and solid, and achieved fruitful results. Chinese companies and Chinese investment have left Chinese imprints that benefit people's livelihood in every corner of Gabon.

The Port Gentil-Umbue Coastal Road in Gabon, undertaken by a Chinese enterprise, ended the history that Port Gentil could only rely on sea and air transportation to communicate with the outside world. The Grand Bubaha Hydropower Station with an installed capacity of 160,000 kilowatts has been completed and put into operation for nearly 10 years, providing a steady stream of electricity for Gabon's economic development and industrialization process.

Mbadinga said that in Gabon, many important infrastructure projects cannot do without China's support. The Gabonese government and people welcome fraternal countries and enterprises that are willing to cooperate with Gabon for win-win results. "

Boosting Gabon's Diversified Development

Mboma, director of the Gabon Investment Promotion Agency, pointed out that the Chinese economy has shown resilience during the new crown epidemic and has withstood the test. The stability and development of China's economy is crucial to all countries in the world, including Gabon. Mboma said that China has maintained the status of Gabon's largest export market for many years, and the stability and development of China's economy are closely related to Gabon's economic growth. As China optimizes and adjusts its epidemic prevention and control measures, the trade between Canada and China will continue to heat up.

Mbadinga said frankly that compared with online communication such as video conferencing, economic and trade exchanges require face-to-face encounters. He said that Gabon welcomes Chinese enterprises and investors to visit Gabon for inspection, investment and long-term development. The drive for diversity.

Mbadinga said that China is the largest economic partner... Gabon has great potential for Chinese investors, and Gabon also cherishes the new opportunities brought by Chinese investors. Editor/He Yuting