Q: Welcome Ambassador Zhao Weiping. Amb. Zhao is not new here, he has been here two years ago. So today we are with him, we are going to talk about the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Namibia and China.

And if you don't know, China is one of the countries that first opened their embassies in Namibia, just after Namibia got independent. So,  I'm going to give him the floor to greet, and of course we start with our conversation, and we are going to be here.

Of course there is Victory Day, China Victory Day, so I don't want to keep him too long here, but I want to give him enough time so that he can elaborate more on the Namibia-China diplomatic relations, and also China-Africa cooperation. Don’t forget that the number in studio is 0832-888-401 should hear the question to ask him on China. if there is anything that you want to know, he is the right person because he is the representative of the Chinese government in Namibia. So Your Excellency, welcome to Eagle FM.

A: Thank you France, good evening, and also good evening to all our friends who are listening to this program. I'm very much pleased and honored to have this opportunity to talk about China-Namibia relations on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations.

Q: Okay, so Ambassador, I'm going to give you time to speak, so that when you are done, there can be questions, either from me or from the audience, if there'll be no one to call, then I will ask you some questions.

A: Okay France, first I will start with my observation on the China-Namibia relations over the past 35 years.

Of course, it's a long time, 35 years. We have made a lot of achievements in our bilateral cooperation. But first let me start by saying that, actually our friendship started long before the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1990.

Actually, since 1960s, China began to provide assistance and support for Namibia people's struggle for national independence. At that time, the independence was led by the SWAPO Party. So actually China-Namibia relations, already had a very good or solid foundation even before we established the diplomatic relations.

Of course, since the establishment of the diplomatic relationship, I think the political relations between our two countries have always been very close. One of the examples is that the top leaders of our two countries had a frequent exchange of visits, you know, for your leaders to visit China, our leaders to visit Namibia, just like relatives visiting each other. So that's one thing very important.

In terms of our political relations, one thing I have to mention is in 2018, Chinese president Xi Jinping and then President of Namibia H.E. Dr. Hage Geingob jointly decided to establish China-Namibia Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. That announcement was made during the state visit to China by President Geingob that year. And that's really a kind of milestone in the history of our relationship because it elevated our relationship to a new level, a higher level.

In terms of trade and economic cooperation, I also have to say that we are doing very well in this aspect. China has been one of the major trading partners of Namibia for many years, and we are also the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for Namibia, so we are the largest investor in Namibia.

China and Namibia are also close development partners. Over the years, China has carried out a series of development assistance projects in Namibia. We donated altogether 9 schools, one of them is the Namibia National Youth Training Center, the other 8 are primary and high schools. We are very glad that these projects have contributed to the improvement of the educational infrastructure here. And there are other big projects like the new airport road, the 2B session, and those kind of things.

And, China and Namibia share similar values and similar positions on a lot of regional and international issues. So we also have a lot of coordination and cooperation in that regard.

To sum up, I think this relationship has always been mutually beneficial. And we are determined to work together with the Namibian side to further push forward this relationship to bring more tangible benefits to our two peoples. Thank you.

Q: All right. So now tell us more about the trade between Namibia and China. What are they trading on? What is the value of the trade between Namibia and China?

A: Okay, France. Take last year as example, the bilateral trade volume between China and Namibia was a little bit over $2 billion U.S. dollars. That's a big increase over the previous year. China is now the third largest trading partner of Namibia after South Africa and EU.

China imported about $1.1 billion U.S. dollars from Namibia, and exported almost $1 billion. So it's a quite balanced trade, but the Namibian side enjoy some surplus.

Q: Okay, the listeners are listening, and they really want to know what does Namibia sell to China and what does China sell to Namibia?

A: Yeah, so far the export from Namibia mainly include mineral resources, agricultural products and some other products. For China, I think we mainly export to Namibia manufactured goods for daily use and also machinery things like that.

Q:  So we have seen the South-South cooperation at the beginning of this year where officials from China were here and most of them specialized on agriculture, trying to help Namibia or trying to cooperate with Namibia on the issue of agriculture. When you look at the variations, because your type of food and the type of Namibian food is not the same, so to say. So but how easy is that cooperation?

A:  Yeah, first, please allow me to be back on the trade. I want to make some additional points. And it's also related with agriculture sector. Namibia actually was the first country to export beef to China. So Namibia beef, we all know, is of high quality and is also very popular in China. We hope to import more from Namibia. So far, EU, I think that's your number one market export destination.

In the future, we very much hope to import more of your beef to China. And you are very right that we are working together with the Namibian side to further strengthen our agricultural cooperation. Earlier this year, we signed agreements for China to import Namibia mutton and chevon, the goat meat. So I think that will become another important item of Namibia's export to China. France, I want to tell you that we are also working on the quarantine issue for the export of other Namibian agricultural products to China. We want to solve the quarantine issue to make it possible for Namibia to export more agricultural products to China, like your grape and blueberry.

And also we are talking about signing agreement to import wild aquatic products from Namibia. I am very confident that, in the years to come, we will see increase of Namibia agricultural and aquatic products export to China. Back to agricultural cooperation, France, we know that's one of the priority areas for your government here. Her Excellency President Ndaitwah put a lot of emphasis to that. So the Chinese side also has a lot of discussion with your government to see what assistance and help we can provide.

Currently, I can tell you, as part of FAO program, Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, we have 8 Chinese agricultural experts in Namibia. They will stay here for two years and provide training for the local farming community, and they also provide advice to your Ministry of Agriculture in several areas. There will be 6 additional Chinese agricultural experts coming under this program in the near future.

Q:  Well, so that's very rich. Now when it comes to technological advancement, China, we know that is leading as we can talk about 5G, companies like Huawei are also having a lot of tech startups in China. Now, how can Namibia benefit from Chinese technological advancement? Looking at the fact that Namibia is still facing challenges in terms of technology. How do we see China coming to assist Namibia in this regard?

A: Yeah, China is currently one of the leading countries in terms of science and technology and innovation. And I think our technology advancement has been achieved in a lot of areas and  I think we can provide our support and assistance to Namibia in a lot of areas. First, I want to mention that every year China provides about 200 training opportunities for Namibia. So quite some of those training programs are related with science and technology.

These training programs, I think, provide us the platform for supporting your capacity building here. Secondly, I want to mention that just recently we have finished a development assistance project and that's the satellite data receiving station. That project is in Windhoek. And the purpose is to help our Namibian friends to enhance your remote sensing satellite data capabilities. That's another example.

And also we are discussing some other projects related with technology. They are still in initial discussion, but I may tell you a little bit about that. For example, your police authority has very strong interest in establishing smart city system here in Namibia. So we are discussing that. And I think in due time we will be ready to provide our assistance.

Q:  Now, you are talking about 200 students that you assist every year in training. Some people are asking, because we also have people that want to go to China and get goods and come and sell here. Does China require a visa for entry for Namibians?

A: Yeah, currently, it requires visa for Namibian citizens to visit China. And it's the same when Chinese citizens come to visit Namibia, they are also required to apply for visa, because we don't have agreement on mutual visa exemption. We don't have that yet.

So in future time, we very much hope to have mutual visa exemption agreement. I think that would be very helpful to provide more facilitation for citizens of both sides to visit each other.

But it's not very difficult to get the Chinese visa, I want to tell our friends here. I don't know there's any such case for any visa application being denied. If there's such case, it must be very, very few. So we actually welcome our Namibian friends to visit China,  either for business, for study, or for other purposes.

Q: I attended a meeting where people from the National Planning Commission were presenting what they learned in China. That tour at your embassy, I think it was some months ago, when they were talking about the healthcare, technology in China. And now when we look at our healthcare, is there any agreement between Namibia and China as far as healthcare is concerned? We know that China was very much willing to assist Namibia when it came to COVID-19 vaccine. It was more easier to get the vaccine from China. So apart from that, is there any other agreement between Namibia and China on healthcare?

A: Yeah, I think we have been cooperating with each other very well in the area of health. And I think we also donated one hospital for Namibia. That is the Omuthiya District Hospital and I visited there. I think it's very helpful for the local people there. As you mentioned that we also had a very good cooperation during the COVID-19 periods. China actually was the first country to donate vaccine to Namibia. Just recently, we also donated a CT scanner to Walvis Bay Hospital. I was informed that's the third CT scanner in your public health system so far.

And  you are very right China is now also a leading manufacturer in health and medical equipment. We are also having discussion with your Ministry of Health for more cooperation in the health sector. Because it's still at a very initial stage, I will not talk too much in detail. But I'm sure in the coming years there will be more new cooperative projects.

In terms of our cooperation in the health area, I have to mention Chinese medical team in Katutura Hospital. They provide a free Chinese medical service and every year they treat about 10,000 local patients. They've been here for many years and I think the local people have seen the value of their service.

Q: Okay, before we leave the Namibia and just talk about a bit of Africa, we have seen the demonstration of China and Namibia's bilateral relationship during the passing of the founding father, where the Chinese pilots assisting in transporting the remains from one place to another. Do you think the bilateral relationship between China and Namibia improving further, more deeper?

A:  Yes. Back in February, our Air Force people came here to assist your Air Force in transporting the remains of the beloved founding father. I think that's a good symbol of close friendship and partnership between our two countries. As I said before, we are determined to further push forward the China-Namibia relationship with the Namibian government. We attach great importance to this relationship we already had for 35 years, and we are determined to make even bigger achievement in future. I think we have some very good opportunities to realize the goal of expanding our bilateral cooperation.

Q: Okay, so we are going for a short break, and then we'll be right back to continue. But if you want to be part of the conversation, you can call in the number in studio 0832-888-401 to ask the Ambassador some questions.

Q: Alright, we are right back. It's around about 27 minutes to 7. We are still here. If you want to be part of the conversation, you can ask the question. Whatever question you have about China, the Ambassador is here. He will be very willing to answer questions. I've been around him for quite some time at press conferences. I think the first time I came was last year with the Chinese New Year Day, if I'm not mistaken. Yeah, now we look at the FOCAC. You can now take us through what is really FOCAC and what does it want to achieve. I'm sure it's a cooperation between China and Africa on a very large scale. So what is FOCAC and what does China want to achieve in this cooperation with Africa?

A: As you know, the full name of FOCAC is the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. And it was established in the year 2000, and initiated by the Chinese government. The purpose of establishing this important mechanism is to deepen China-Africa cooperation. This cooperation covers extensive areas. Last year, we just had a very important summit, FOCAC summit in Beijing in September last year. Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted the summit. And we are very grateful that your then President Mbumba attended the summit along with the leaders of other African countries. The FOCAC summit, as I said, it's a very important mechanism or the most important mechanism of China-Africa cooperation. At the summit last year, President Xi announced the 10 partnership actions to advance China-Africa cooperation. And it covers comprehensive areas. Also, the Chinese President announced that China will provide 50 billion US dollars as financial support to implement those partnership actions. And we attach great importance to the implementation of what we have announced. In June this year, we held a ministerial meeting of coordinators on the implementation of the follow up actions. It's a long name. So the idea is that we will have this kind of ministerial meetings to implement what we pledged at the FOCAC summit. So we are also discussing some projects with the Namibian government. The projects we pledged during the summit are the police housing project, the borehole drilling project, and also some other projects.

Q: So we have FOCAC and then we have Belt and Road Initiative. How is that different from FOCAC? Or is it part of FOCAC?

A: Belt and Road Initiative is for the whole world. But for this FOCAC, this is the mechanism just for advancing China-Africa cooperation. So that's the difference. But of course, they are not conflicting each other. Actually they are in line with each other.

Q: So China is one of the countries that are calling for Africa to be part of the extended United Nations Security Council. China is always willing to step in when it comes to African development. And some other players are saying that, China wants to expand, like neo-colonization. This is how countries like Japan and the West want Africa to be careful of Chinese loans, for example, because they feel that Africa might get into a trap. So what can you say to that?

A: First, I want to point out that China's partnership with Africa has a very long history. It didn't happen just in recent years. Actually, the new China was founded in 1949. And ever since 1949, we pay great attention to our brotherly relationship with African countries. So it is a relationship of more than 70 years. So, for a lot of African countries, I think China provided the support for their national liberation and  development. I think it's not something we just came to Africa recently. And our purpose remained the same in the last more than 70 years in developing our relationship with Africa. That's just for mutual support, mutual help and common prosperity. That's our purpose. Some people like to view things from a negative perspective. But I think that's not true at all to claim China is practicing so-called neo-colonialism.

Governments of all African countries are in a very good position to tell about China-Africa relations rather than those people, some of them are descendants of colonialists. Only you African people are in the best position to tell,  to judge what China is doing here.

Q: So when are you going to give the 50 billion US dollars that China is promising to Africa? Is it going to be given to every country or is it going to be given to a bank?

A: For the financial support we announced at the FOCAC summit last September, it will be open for the whole African countries to support the bilateral cooperative projects discussed by China and individual countries.

Q: Are these in the form of loans or grants or sponsorship?

A: There are several categories in this financial support. One is the Chinese government grant assistance, and also there are soft loans.

Q: We now look at China engaged in a trade war with the United States of America to a point that at some point there was 125 percent of trade tariffs. Then China was also slapping back. Is this not going to affect the role that China is playing in Namibia and also Africa?

A: France, you know, China is the second largest economy in the world. And the US is the largest economy in the world. So we always hope that China and US, as two largest economy in the world, we should cooperate with each other for the benefit of both our countries and also for the benefit of the whole world. I think both country play a very important role in the international trade and economic cooperation. I think it's really very important for China and US to work together. But unfortunately, as you said, we have seen a lot of things which develop in another direction. That's very unfortunate. And talking about the tariff, or the so-called tariff war started by the US, China and the US side are still discussing this tariff issue. You said at one time the US side has already announced they will impose more than 120%. Actually it's more than that. But we oppose that, of course, like all the other countries. We don't think it's a right way. Anyway, you know, it's still in the process, but China has made it very clear that we will do our best to safeguard the free trading system and uphold WTO rules. We don't think it's a good solution by raising tariffs to solve any trade issue between any countries. And one thing I want to add is that in June as I mentioned that there was the ministerial meeting of coordinators on the implementation of the follow-up actions of FOCAC. Chinese President Xi Jinping in his congratulatory letter to that meeting announced that China will provide zero tariff treatment for all the African countries establishing diplomatic relations with China and for 100% tariff lines. So that's a major announcement and we are now working with African countries to implement that announcement.

Q: All right. So now we're talking about FOCAC and China's role in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. And now we look at America withdrawing aid on countries that depended on the aid as far as medic healthcare is concerned. We are hearing that some countries are even running out of HIV medication and so forth. Is China perhaps thinking of stepping in and playing that role to fill in that gap? Will China fill that gap or will it just be left like that?

A: Yeah. First, in principle, as I said before, we are ready to provide our assistance support for the needs of our Namibian friends in your health sector. So that's our general attitude. So for details, I think our two governments can discuss what kind of support and assistance you need.

Q: Okay. Is there any challenge that FOCAC is facing when it comes to the relationship between China and Africa? Is there any challenge so far?

A: Yeah. FOCAC is a mechanism of cooperation. And actually we didn't see any problem or challenge. All the African countries, just like China, we both attach great importance to the development of this mechanism. And because this is a mechanism for cooperation, we always consult with each other in a friendly way. So I don't see any challenge or problem so far. Thank you.

Q: Right. So it is 10 minutes before we are out of here. If there are more questions, I'm sure the people just want to listen and get to understand, so that next time they will ask questions. The people here,  sometimes they like to sit there and they first listen. But I'm sure the content that is being given here is good content. People need to know about China because China being the second largest economy of course plays a role in the development of Namibia and that of Africa. Now let's look at the ... for example, you are talking about you want to be exporting blueberries and grapes. There is a question here says: What about fish? Is China not interested in Namibian fish? Or is it maybe that you have enough fish in China?

A: I love seafood and Namibia you have very nice seafood. As I mentioned, actually we are discussing imports. We are discussing some issues related with the quarantine issue so that we can import Namibian aquatic products. And that certainly includes fish. Currently Namibian oysters are already exported to China. And they are very popular in China.

Q: Now, Namibia recently has discovered oil and there is so much prospect on oil and how it is coming to change the economic outlook of Namibia. But we don't hear any Chinese companies interested or showing. We don't hear any Chinese company involved in exploration. Why?

A: First, I think it's indeed a great news for Namibia to discover so much oil and gas. And I believe that, as your oil industry picks up, your financial and economic landscape will have fundamental change. So that's why I said on several public occasions already that I believe there will be a big jump in your social economic development in the next five to ten years. So of course, I think for the Chinese business community they are also very excited about your promising economic prospects. More and more Chinese companies are interested in coming to invest in Namibia. But back to your question, why so far no engagement by the Chinese companies in your oil and gas exploration. I have also done some research. If you also do some research, you will find that the pattern for Chinese investment is a little bit different from other countries. Our companies usually don't put too much investment in exploration. Just like the Swakop Uranium, that's our largest single investment in Africa so far. The Chinese company didn't do exploration. So they came to invest at a time when the exploration is already done. So I think you can find the same pattern of Chinese investment in a lot of other areas. Also like the oil and gas sector, I think that maybe it's the same thing. I believe in due time, Chinese companies will come to participate.

Q: So in other words, you are saying the Chinese would really want to see something on the ground before they come into investing.

A: That's based on my research. I don't know whether it's true or not, but I think maybe that's one of the very important reasons.

Q: Yes. All right. So, Ambassador, we are coming to an end of our program, and maybe you have words that you want to say lastly before you go.

A: Yeah. I want to thank you again France for having me here. And there's one message I want to share with our listeners, our Namibian friends. I strongly believe in a very promising future of your economic and social development. And of course currently you are facing some challenges and those challenges in my view are just temporary. China as a friend and close development partner, we are ready to provide support and we will continue to provide support and assistance to Namibian people and the Namibian government to the best of our ability. And I wish our bilateral cooperation even bigger achievements in the years to come. Thank you.

Q: Yes. Thank you very much ambassador for coming. And we wish you the best on your Victory Day celebration, that’s the 80th anniversary of China's ...

A: Chinese people's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Q: Yes. So we wish you the best on your celebration and we hope to see you again, Ambassador. Thank you very much for being here.

A: Thank you.