Shenzhen Daily (Han Ximin) AMBASSADORS from two African countries were in Shenzhen yesterday, seeking to attract investments for their respective nations.
Victor Sikonina, the Madagascan ambassador to China, called on Shenzhen companies to invest in Madagascar’s infrastructure, tourism and telecommunications sectors during the Seventh Shenzhen Beach Day yesterday.
This was Sikonina’s fourth visit to Shenzhen, but the first time he was attending the annual Beach Day.
Sikonina, 68, whose father is Cantonese and mother Madagascan, said he felt delighted to be in Shenzhen.
“The city is not only charming, but also poetic. Sitting in front of the window and looking out to the sea, you can feel the city’s vibration from the bottom of your heart,” said Sikonina, whose country is the fourth-largest island in the world, and known for rare species of flora and fauna.
“Madagascar is among the developing countries in Africa and boasts abundant natural resources, in addition to natural beauty,” he said.
China and Madagascar signed a tourism treaty in October 2006, which gave Chinese tourists the opportunity to visit the country.
Sikonina said he hoped for more Chinese investment in Madagascar’s tourism industry.
“There is a very big potential in Madagascar’s tourism industry. I hope Chinese people come to invest in the hotel, restaurant, tour and also the catering industries and a lot of opportunities exist.”
At present there are about 10 major Chinese companies doing business in Madagascar. They are mainly in the sectors of petroleum, road and bridge construction, agriculture, sugar, medicine and mining.
The ambassador of another African country, Mozambique, was also in Shenzhen yesterday.
“Shenzhen has set an example for the development of Mozambique,” said Antonia Jnacio Junior, who added that his country was looking for guidance from Shenzhen in the telecommunications field.
“We are considering a science park in Maputo, capital city of Mozambique and could learn a lot from Shenzhen, which plays an important role in China’s high-tech industry,” said Jnacio.
“Huawei and ZTE have investment in our country, helping the government develop its telecommunications network,” he added.
Jnacio called on Shenzhen mobile phone producers to establish production lines in his country. “If we import mobile phones, the cost will be higher. If we have production lines in our country, the price will be much cheaper and local people can afford them,” he said.
“We hope Shenzhen enterprises in infrastructure, food processing and the construction materials sectors will strengthen their investment in our country,” said Jnacio.