President Uhuru Kenyatta (5th L), with other Head of States and Government after discussions in the leaders roundtable that, chaired by Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, May 15, 2017. [Photo/PSCU]
China’s vision of an interconnected world with enhanced trade supports the African desire for shared prosperity, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.
The president, who spoke during a roundtable summit of Heads of State and Government held at the Yanqi Lake Conference Centre, said Africa stands a chance to regain some of the missed opportunities of globalisation, by playing an active role in the Chinese plan for an interconnected world.
Uhuru, who has been in Beijing for the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, said the Silk Road initiative by China fits well into the African Union agenda to create more infrastructure links within the continent.
“The Belt and Road initiative gives our continent the opportunity to make a paradigm shift. Post-colonial Africa has been stuck in a rut,” he said.
He noted the continent must move from being a mere consumer of imports of finished goods to become an exporter itself.
“Being part of One Belt allows the continent to move to a new platform, through which global collaboration will allow for value-addition, innovation, and increased prosperity,” said President Kenyatta.
The president said China has been a true friend of Kenya and has supported the efforts to transform the country.
He said the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway showed the tremendous potential for mutually beneficial strategic cooperation between Kenya and China.
“It will be a win-win situation when our people have the skills, assets and financing necessary to participate in the development of the infrastructure corridors that will enhance connectivity, support trade and reduce the cost of doing business between our countries,” said Uhuru, according to PSCU.