CORPORATE INTELLIGENCE AFRICA ISSUE 0024 | Page 11

leaders, Chinese governenvironmental protection, ment built ultramodern social responsibility and African Union complex in respect for African culture, Addis Ababa that serves as traditions and laws. the headquarters of the contiThe volume of trade from nental body. The Asian country Africa to China has hit $95 also pledged to support African billion while volume of trade Union proposed standing army from China to Africa is $160 to promote peace and instabilbillion last year. ity in the region. In addition, the Kenya in particular, is excountry has always voted against pected to strengthen its ties “unfriendly” resolution to African with China following hostilstates or leaders at the United Naity towards its leaders from tions Security Council. Western countries, who had The continuous influence of warned of essential contacts China in Africa has sent cold shivers should President Uhuru Kedown the spines of Western counnyatta and his Deputy William tries that have enjoyed ties with the Ruto win March 2013 general continent for decades. The increased election. discoveries of natural resources in AfThe United States and Eurican soil have heightened competition ropean Union member counamong China and Western Countries, tries had warned that they will as their companies take strategic posihave selective engagements tion for lucrative mining industry. with Nairobi should Kenyans Recent visit of US President Barack vote for President Uhuru and Mr Obama was viewed by experts as an atRuto who are currently facing tempt to clip the wings of China that was criminal charges at the Internaenjoying bilateral relations with African tional Criminal Court. leaders, which could influence awarding It was against this backdrop of contracts in mining sector. Both Kenya that President Uhuru’s Jubilee and Uganda have discovered oil while TanAlliance gave indication of lookzania is working on plans for exploration of ing east and other friendly African natural gas. countries to strengthen bilateral ties. President Kenyatta has already had meetings with Chinese ambassador to Kenya Liu Guangyuan at State House Nairobi during which areas of bilateral engagement was discussed. The two leaders discussed China’s input in the implementation of Vision 2030 flagship projects, among the development of the railway network from Lamu to Southern Sudan and Ethiopia, and the development of the first three berths Lamu Port infrastructure. The President and the Chinese Ambassador also discussed how Kenya and China could co-operate in the construction of a standard gauge railway line from Mombasa to Malaba and the building of a mass transit light railway system for the Nairobi Metropolitan. China is increasingly becoming a major economic player in Africa following its non-interference foreign policy and attractive grants packages to developing countries. To win the support of African
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