Chinese ambassador to Ghana, GONG Jianzhong.
On May 3, 2013, the Chinese Ambassador H.E. Gong Jianzhong honored and addressed the inauguration ceremony for the 1st generating station of the Bui Hydroelectric power Project in Bui, a small town in the Brong-Ahafo Region. Present at the ceremony were H.E. John Dramani Mahama, Government Officials, Representatives of SINOHYDRO, Traditional Authorities, the Press and local residents
Below is the address by H.E Gong Jianzhong,
Your Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, Honorable Ministers, Ladies and Gentleman, today is a very special day for us, a day we have expected for a long time and a day that is destined to be remembered by the history of China-Ghana friendly cooperation. It’s a great honor that I could be part of this important occasion and share with you this exciting moment.
Nowadays, power supply is a very important component of infrastructure. It is crucial to the economic development and essential for people’s lives. Ghana is an important country in West Africa. With the rapid economic growth and the continuing improvement of people’s livelihood, the social demand for electricity is rising. I’m so happy that the phased results of the Bui hydroelectric project could help to ease the power supply tension in the country.
Apart from generating electricity, this project may also facilitate agriculture, transportation, tourism and sustainable development. In my view, the significance of this project goes far beyond a mere power station. In fact, the Bui Dam hydroelectric power station and many other Chinese aided projects are the vivid reflections of the long-lasting friendship between our two peoples.
Ladies and Gentleman,
China and Ghana friendship dates back to many decades ago despite of the fact that the two countries are ten thousand miles away from each other. Ghana is one of first Sub-Sahara countries to establish diplomatic relations with China. Over the past 53 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the people of our two countries have forged a deep friendship by supporting and helping each other in our respective pursuits of national independence and socio-economic development.
In the recent years, thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, we have witnessed rapid growth in our cooperation in economic, trade, culture and many other areas. According to the Chinese statistics, the bilateral trade volume between China and Ghana registered $5.434 billion last year, with an increase of 56.5% over the previous year.The number of newly registered Chinese investment projects topped Ghana’s FDI list in 2012. The China-Ghana cooperation has been proven effective and efficient. The bilateral cooperation has grown steadily and vigorously and brought about tangible benefit to our two peoples.
Ladies and Gentleman
During his first visit to Africa about a month ago shortly after assuming the presidency, H.E. President Xi Jinping of China said that China would faithfully honor whatever commitments it has made to Africa, and continue to offer, as always, necessary assistance to Africa with no political strings attached.China will continue to expand investment and financing cooperation with Africa including Ghana, follow through on the commitment of providing a US$20 billion credit line to African countries from 2013 to 2015, put into practice the partnership on transnational and trans-regional infrastructural development, enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as agriculture and manufacturing, and help African countries turn resource endowment into development strength and achieve independent and sustainable development.
Ladies and Gentleman,
Since the birth of New China more than 60 years ago, particularly since the introduction of reform and opening-up more than 30 years ago, the Chinese government has led theChinese people in blazing a path of socialism with Chinese characteristics China has made historic progress in its development, becoming the second largest economy in the world. China’s comprehensive national strength has grown significantly and the people’s living standards for us to come this far.
At present, China remains a populous country with a weak economic foundation and uneven development. While our aggregate GDP may be quite large, once divided by 1.3 billion, the per capita number is only around the 90th place in the world. Some 128 million Chinese are still living below the poverty line set by the United Nations.
To provide a well-to-do life for the over 1.3 billion people, there is still a long way to go and persistent and strenuous efforts are still called for. As China continues to develop, its people will surely lead a better life. However, no matter how developed it may become, China will always see African countries as its tested friends. Ghana is a shining star in Africa with full of vitality and hope and China-Ghana cooperation has great potential and bright prospects. In the new era, China’s development will bring unprecedented opportunities to Ghana as well as the whole Africa, while Ghana and Africa’s development will also provide unprecedented opportunities for China’s development. We shall stick to the path of mutually beneficial cooperation and common development.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
SINOHYDRO confirms that the whole project will be completed on schedule. Till then, the Bui Dam cutting across the Black Volta will mark the second largest Hydro-electric project in Ghana. Showing the great wisdom of the Ghanaian people to harness the nature to serve the interests of their beloved homeland, this project not only alleviates the power shortage but also demonstrates a crystal of the cooperation featuring hardworking and fraternal friendship between China and Ghana. I hope that the relevant organizations and individuals would continue your high-quality work till the completion of this significant project.
May the friendship between China and Ghana be everlasting
