China pledges to grow ‘profound’ friendship with Namibia

China has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening ties with Namibia, pledging greater cooperation on trade, investment, industrialisation, agriculture, youth exchanges, media, culture and the arts.

Speaking at a reception in Windhoek this week to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Chinese ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping said Namibia and China had developed a “profound traditional friendship” with Namibia since establishing diplomatic relations in 1990.

“Although China and Namibia are about ten thousand miles away from each other, we have always been fellow travellers and true friends,” Zhao said. The reception came two months after President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's state visit to China, during which she and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to elevate bilateral relations.

Zhao said the agreement marked “a new milestone” and demonstrated the political commitment of both countries to take their relationship to new heights.

He highlighted China’s willingness to support Namibia’s development ambitions under the country’s Sixth National Development Plan, including helping Namibia benefit from China’s zero-tariff policy and supporting industrialisation and agricultural modernisation.

Powerful economy

“The Chinese side is happy to see Namibia continue to achieve great progress in its economic and social development,” Zhao said.

The ambassador also pointed to China’s economic transformation since 1949. According to Zhao, China’s gross domestic product has grown from more than 60 billion Chinese yuan to over 140 trillion yuan, making it the world’s second-largest economy, largest manufacturing country and largest trading nation in goods.

He said 770 million rural residents living below China’s poverty line had been lifted from poverty since the launch of reform and opening up in 1978.

Despite a challenging global economic environment, Zhao said China generated about 70 trillion yuan in GDP during the first half of this year, representing 4.7% year-on-year growth.

“The Chinese economy has once again demonstrated strong resilience and vitality,” he said, pointing to developments in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and new energy.

Looking ahead, Zhao added China would continue promoting high-standard opening-up and creating opportunities for cooperation, particularly with developing countries.

He said people-to-people exchanges, especially among young people, would also be expanded. “I am confident that, with our joint efforts, the tree of China-Namibia friendship will flourish even more,” Zhao said.

Delivering her address, international relations and trade minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi commended China for its commitment to working with Namibia and Africa as a whole. 

"Namibia appreciates China's commitment to engage with Africa and Namibia," and "As we celebrate, Namibia looks to the future with confidence to work for the People's Republic of China."