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    June 21, 2011

West Africa Seeks Improved Business Ties with China

   Peter Clottey
   Photo: REUTERS
   Heads of state and members of the Economic Community Of West African
   States (ECOWAS) pose for a photograph after attending the 39th ECOWAS
   Summit in Nigeria's capital Abuja March 23, 2011(file photo)

   Senior officials from the Economic Community of West African States
   (ECOWAS) begin talks in China this week to find investors in
   agriculture, industry and roads and other physical infrastructure.

   The regional body is trying 'to stimulate development and through that
   we [will]'Špull ourselves out of poverty,' said Sonny Ugoh, ECOWAS
   communications director.

   His comments came after a delegation of ECOWAS officials arrived in
   China Monday. The talks are expected to involve both public and private
   investors.

   The delegation includes a number of officials of the ECOWAS commission,
   or executive board, including its president, Ambassador James Gbeho and
   other senior members.

   The Chinese and ECOWAS delegations are scheduled to hold exploratory
   discussions with the Export-Import Bank of China and the China
   Development Bank on possible support for infrastructure projects
   crucial to the economic integration of West African states.

   Chinese Funds

   Ghana and Sierra Leone are asking the Export-Import Bank of China for
   $320 million for the construction of a highway network stretching
   across West Africa.

   Sierra Leone has submitted two requests for funding: $100 million for
   the first phase of a road along the border with Guinea passing through
   the towns of Makeni, Kamakwei and Fintonia, and $105 million for a new
   terminal at Freetown's Lunghi airport that will include a presidential
   lounge and related infrastructure.

   Suspicions

   Some groups have expressed concern that increased investment will only
   benefit the Asian giants and African elites. They say it could worsen
   the plight of the poor, a concern Ugoh dismissed as unfounded. He
   insisted that by building infrastructure, the projects will boost
   economic activity in member countries.

   'Nobody should feel that there is a reason to be suspicious about the
   Chinese, certainly not. What is important is [that] we are dealing with
   our partners because we need their support to be able to develop,' said
   Ugoh.

   He said ECOWAS will continue to seek other avenues to improve the lives
   of its citizens.

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