China boasts of saving Namibian jobs

Chinese ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping says the decision by China National Uranium Corporation Limited to acquire a controlling stake in Rössing Uranium, saved thousands of Namibian jobs.

The company was formerly owned by the British-Australian conglomerate Rio Tinto.

He also desputed the notion that Chinese companies solely exploit Namibia’s natural resources without benefiting locals.

He was speaking at a press conference on Wednesday.

“We cannot say it (the mining sector) only benefits China.

We cannot say China takes away the bulk of mineral resources and leaves little for locals.

Then you are wrong, and are filtering the whole truth,” Weiping said.

He acknowledged that the connection between African nations like Namibia and China is predominantly influenced by the country’s abundant natural resources.

This constitutes an exchange, he said.

“Our international cooperation and bilateral trade are complementary. What we have, we exchange for what you have,” Weiping said.

Although natural resources are a significant factor in the bilateral relationship, they are not the only component, he said.
Weiping said the ongoing Chinese government grant projects are progressing smoothly, including the four rural school projects in the north, which will be completed soon, the new airport road 2B section, and the satellite data ground-receiving station.

“And we are also discussing with the Namibian side the implementation of some new development assistance projects,” he said.

According to statistics from China, China-Namibia bilateral trade volume reached US$1 billion between January and September – an increase of 29% compared to the same period last year.

“Although no major investment projects are announced this year, an increasing number of Chinese companies are showing their interest in investment opportunities in Namibia,” Weiping said.

He expressed hope that the two countries would forge closer economic cooperation in various fields, not only in the mining sector, but also in renewable energy, including green hydrogen and other areas.

“We should also explore the possibilities for both countries to conduct more projects within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

“China also stands ready to expand its import from Namibia by providing Namibian agricultural and aquatic products more access to the Chinese market,” Weiping said.

He said China and Namibia should also strengthen cooperation on international and regional issues.

Meanwhile, Chinese travel agencies say Namibia is expected to receive about 8 000 Chinese tourists this year, which is almost half the number in peak times before the pandemic.