Building on strong foundations

Senegal can be a good business destination for Chinese private entrepreneurs

In the afternoons, Dakar, the Senegalese capital, comes alive with scores of people participating in various sports such as football, basketball, fitness workouts and jogging. Amid the din and the clamor, one can see some people rigorously practicing tai chi, a Chinese martial art popular in Africa for its health and self-defense benefits.

Judging by the popularity of the tai chi classes organized by the Confucius Institute of the University of Dakar, it would not be far-fetched to say that China and Chinese culture have left a lasting impression in Senegal.

Malick Ndoye, director of the Confucius Institute says that Chinese culture and language have become more familiar and attractive to Senegalese, and they are not just leisure activities but viable commercial opportunities for Senegalese citizens.

"More than 200 students have registered for the Chinese language classes at the university, and the number is steadily increasing," he says. "What is really encouraging is that we have been able to attract professionals from diverse fields. We have engineers, drivers and even accountants keen on learning Chinese."

Ndoye feels that the various activities undertaken by Chinese enterprises in Senegal have played a key role in drumming up interest about China. As well as the opportunities that these enterprises have created, many Senegalese citizens feel that learning the Chinese language and its culture will open the doors for better lives and foster stronger cooperation between the two nations.

"The Senegal-China relationship could be a comprehensive one apart from the dominant trade and business ties," Ndoye says. Though Senegal has limited natural resources, it can offset this through its close ties with China.

Senegalese President Macky Sall clearly outlined his nation's priorities during his state visit to China this week, when he urged China to set up a cultural center in Senegal to enhance exchanges.

Sall's visit was noteworthy as he was the first African leader to visit China this year. Senegal was also one of the key stopovers for Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his trip to Africa in January. The diplomatic exchanges highlighted the importance attached to the resource-poor but politically influential western African country.

During their meeting, both President Xi Jinping and Sall reiterated their commitment to strengthen ties and build on the gains since the two nations re-established diplomatic ties in 2005.

The Chinese presence in Senegal is still modest when compared with other African countries. There are roughly 3,000 Chinese people working and living in Senegal in sectors such as infrastructure construction, fishing and agriculture.

Language and unfavorable laws have been major barriers for Chinese companies in Senegal, a Francophone nation. Sall, on his part, has agreed to look into the issue of unfavorable laws and promised speedy change.

The Senegalese president had earlier made it clear that Senegal was banking on investment from public and private sectors for future growth. Sall also urged more Chinese private entrepreneurs to invest in Senegal. This also gels with China's plan of encouraging private companies to spread their wings abroad, especially in Africa.

There are several opportunities for private companies in Senegal, and the competition is not that intense when compared to China, says Xuang Xiaoqing, director-general of Tamou Fishing International Company Ltd in Dakar.

"Senegal is a relatively stable country and I have been here for more than 15 years," he says, adding that his quick-frozen factory would go on stream next month.

"Though the daily production is just 50 tons, (grossly inadequate for sustenance by Chinese standards), our unit can account for the entire fishing output of Senegal, he says.

Xuang believes that Senegal is a good place to start an industry chain as the opportunities and potential are immense.

"We are looking to transform the plant into a comprehensive business center including fish-processing services, quick-frozen products and logistics services."

The real benefit, he feels, would be the jobs and other benefits it can bring to the local economy.

The author is China Daily's correspondent based in Nairobi. Contact the writer at lilianxing@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily Africa Weekly 02/28/2014 page10)