'We are open for business'

Editor's note: Ties between China and Madagascar have greatly intensified in recent years through economic cooperation and culture communications. To further understand the relations between the two sides, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, president of Madagascar, gives his views on the partnerships in the future.

What conclusions should the international community take from the recent bouts of political instability in Madagascar?

It is perhaps wrong to highlight political instability in isolation, because the real crisis we have been fighting against in Madagascar is poverty and that is a battle that has lasted for 50 years, not five.

In the past year, since free and transparent elections, we have embarked on a stable program of social and economic reforms.

To start with we have returned to the fold of the international community and relaunched negotiations with the international donor community, for example, with the Americans we have resumed relations according to the African Growth and Opportunity Act which helps us target unemployment.

In December last year, we received budgetary assistance from several donor organizations, allowing us to launch several projects.

We have also held discussions with numerous public and private investors, most notably from China, which gives me confidence in saying that Madagascar today is on the right economic track. I also believe that in order to put in place a stable program of national reconciliation we require social harmony.

That is improving day by day, but in order to cement those gains the rule of law is crucial.

Likewise it is important to eradicate corruption, without which social harmony and development are not possible and that is something we are working hard to achieve.

Following discussions with international organizations, which programs in particular illustrate the progress you are making?

To begin with, we naturally spoke about the reforms we are putting in place to ensure good economic and administrative governance. These reforms are ongoing and will continue in the years to come. These are already evident in a number of aspects, for example in our efforts to protect our natural resources and prevent the illegal smuggling of rosewood and animals. We are also embarking on measures to enhance security to allow investors to go about their business in a safe environment and judicial reforms in the High Court, Senate and National Assembly, to restore authority to the state by emphasizing the rule of law.

How would you describe relations between Madagascar and China? What steps are you taking to attract more investment from China?

Relations between China and Madagascar are long-standing and historic. China has always been present in Madagascar.

As an economic superpower China should be an important partner in our future development. As proof, I point to the fact that last year numerous Chinese companies and investors came to Madagascar ready to invest in Madagascar within the framework of pubic private partnerships in a variety of sectors. Madagascar needs foreign investment and China is perfectly placed to partner with us in a number of areas. Chinese investment is particularly welcome not only from the point of view of the provision of capital, but also in terms of technology and experience, for example in helping to develop aspects of our agricultural sector such as the production of rice. Similarly Chinese expertise in the development of infrastructure is well documented.

We know from experience that we can benefit hugely from Chinese know-how in building towns, industrial and transportation infrastructure such as roads, ports and airports. One example of the cooperation between our countries is the construction of the Palais des Sports in Mahamasina.

Another example of the friendly relations that exist between us can be found in the health sector. In this regard we have had a permanent Chinese delegation here for years, which has resulted in the construction of modern hospitals that we value highly.

Do you have a final message for decision-makers in Beijing as well as the Chinese community already present in Madagascar?

I would like to say that the Malagasy government, with the full support of the Presidency, is working hard to put in place an attractive business environment for the benefit of investors. I want Madagascar to be part of the global investment community's plans.

We are prioritizing measures that will protect and encourage investors from a legal, fiscal and security point of view. We call upon the entire world to come here and benefit from these incentives.

Also, I would like to say that today Madagascar is a land of opportunity in a number of different areas.

I have already mentioned infrastructure, but I would also like to highlight opportunities in the energy sector, for example in the construction of dams but also in renewables such as solar, wind and biomass.

The overall message is that we are open for business and open to investment in all sectors from agriculture and mining to industry and tourism.

These are all important investment objectives to secure our future. I believe this is an important moment in our history. With the rise of Asia and our shared cultural ties, now is the time for our nations to cement our friendly relations in the spirit of mutual interest.

(China Daily 04/22/2015 page17)