This Wednesday morning, His Excellency Zhou Ping, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Gabon, met with Mr. Pascal Ogowe Siffon, Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts. The meeting, held at the Minister’s office, focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring major avenues of collaboration between the two countries.

Key Areas of Collaboration Discussed

The discussion centered on critical themes that reflect the mutual ambition to foster dynamic and sustainable partnerships:

• Enhancing bilateral cooperation to deepen the strategic relationship between Gabon and China.
• Development of Gabonese handicrafts, with an emphasis on showcasing traditional expertise on international platforms.
• Chinese investments in tourism and handicrafts, aimed at boosting economic opportunities in Gabon.
• Facilitation of trade exchanges through cooperation agreements to promote mutual benefits.
• Promotion of group tourism and organized travel, fostering an increase in tourism flows between the two nations.
• Youth training programs in tourism and handicraft professions, ensuring skill development and job creation for Gabonese youth.
• Culinary promotion, with initiatives to highlight Gabonese cuisine in China while introducing Chinese specialties to Gabon.

Additionally, both parties agreed on the need to prioritize the development of tourism infrastructure, to meet the increasing demands of travelers and to position Gabon as a premier tourist destination in Africa.

The Role of FOCAC and Future Plans

A highlight of the meeting was the emphasis on the importance of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and its upcoming Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027). Discussions underscored:

• Cooperation on social well-being, aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda, particularly in areas concerning human and cultural development.
• Cultural, tourism, and sports initiatives, integrated into the FOCAC Action Plan, to foster deeper exchanges between Gabon and China.

A Step Toward a Lasting Partnership

This meeting showcased the shared vision of Gabon and China to strengthen their ties through mutual cooperation in tourism and culture. By aligning efforts within international frameworks and leveraging their unique strengths, the two nations are poised to build a partnership that not only benefits their economies but also enriches the cultural fabric of both countries.

Through this collaboration, Gabon aims to elevate its global profile as a destination of choice in Africa, while China continues to deepen its engagement on the continent.