Countries welcomed to join in mutual benefits of Belt, Road

President Xi Jinping underlined China’s support for African countries to join in building the Belt and Road to achieve common prosperity.

Speaking at the High-Level Dialogue Between Chinese and African Leaders and Business Representatives on Monday, Xi said China stands ready to seek synergies with African countries to build a road of high-quality development suited to national conditions, inclusive and beneficial for all participants.

Xi said that African nations, as important participants, are at a historical and natural stage of the joint building of the Belt and Road.

On the basis of equality and win-win outcomes, China will uphold principles of extensive consultation, joint contributions and shared benefits to push forward connectivity in policy, infrastructure, trade and capital, and bring people closer to Africa, he said.

Xi said that three years ago, he proposed 10 cooperative plans to advance the joint development of China and Africa, and they have yielded fruitful outcomes.

Africa makes up more than one-sixth of the global population, and the realization of common prosperity is an important part of the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, he said.

China neither attaches political strings to its investment in Africa nor intervenes in the internal affairs of other countries, nor does it come up with demands that are against the will of others, Xi said.

China-Africa cooperation has targeted bottlenecks to Africa’s development, such as inadequate infrastructure, and uses funds in places where they count most, he added.

Xi said China is willing to continue cooperation with Africa in areas including standards promotion, market access, training and customs based on win-win principles.

“China encourages and supports mutual investment between China and Africa, and does not seek a trade surplus. China is ready to create conditions conducive to expanding imports,” he said.

Xi said he hopes entrepreneurs from China and Africa will seize new historic opportunities for innovation and make good use of modern technology. They should also observe social responsibilities, respect local culture and customs, and help bond the China-Africa friendship.

The dialogue was attended by around 1,000 representatives, including 35 African leaders.

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