Engaging in high-level discussions, forging business ties, and cementing agreements, Bénin’s President Patrice Talon has consistently championed the cause of fostering increased Chinese industrial investments across Africa since taking office.
The allure of China’s economic prowess has captivated Patrice Talon, as he professed during a televised interview on March 5th with a French television channel, stating, “This country inspires me.”
In a reciprocal gesture of goodwill, China extends a warm reception to President Talon, elevating his official visit to the status of a state visit. This marks his first international diplomatic journey since assuming power in 2016—an emblematic honor within the Chinese protocol. Commencing tomorrow, he is slated to engage in a three-hour tête-à-tête with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping.
The itinerary further includes productive sessions with China’s Premier and the President of the National People’s Congress.
An impressive slate of fifteen agreements is poised for signing, predominantly centered on nurturing co-investment opportunities and facilitating the establishment of Chinese industrial enterprises within Bénin. These encompass a diverse array of sectors, ranging from textiles, public transportation, and electric automotive manufacturing to household appliances.
Notably, President Patrice Talon has spearheaded the establishment of an expansive 18-square-kilometer economic zone on the outskirts of Cotonou. This visionary initiative stands as a testament to his commitment to engineering an industrial revolution within the nation.