DRC mining benefits from Chinese investment, envoy stresses

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the main beneficiary of the Sino-Congolese economic partnership, which has also contributed to the positioning of the DRC as a major mining power, said the Chinese ambassador to the country.

Addressing journalists in the DRC's capital Kinshasa, Zhu Jing said with China, the DRC no longer has only mines, but also production and processing chains provided by Chinese companies.

"During the first seven months of this year, trade between China and the DRC reached $7.9 billion. This represents an annual increase of 97 percent compared to the same period in 2020. Out of $7.9 billion, the DRC earned $4.7 billion. That is to say that the DRC has a large surplus in trade with China," Zhu said.

"The DRC is the big winner of this partnership. First, the Sino-Congolese contracts were carried out entirely with the money of Chinese companies with Sicomines at the head, which takes care of the financing. These companies are getting into debt with Chinese banks and invest in the DRC. The Congolese state without investing a single dollar benefits from a modern mining industry."

Interference denounced

He also said the Sino-Congolese contracts have allowed the DRC to access the world's largest market without going through intermediaries.

Early last month, some media reported that some in the DRC had called for a review of mining contracts signed with China in 2008.Zhu denounced foreign interference in the matter.

"The contracts signed between China and the DRC have nothing to do with the Americans. The Sino-Congolese partnership cannot be dictated by other states," Zhu said. "There are several media speculations and unfounded elements that discredit the Sino-Congolese partnership with things that do not correspond to reality. The objective of this demonization campaign is to destroy the Sino-Congolese partnership of which the DRC is the big winner."

The diplomat reiterated that signed agreements must be respected. He also added that the agreements will not necessarily remain frozen, and if the two parties find something to improve, they will hold objective discussions.

"If we find something to improve, of course, we can always serve to discuss objectively, quietly and in a friendly manner," said the ambassador. "If the Congolese state and Chinese companies agree to modify some clauses or elements in their agreements in order to improve the efficiency and visibility of its partnerships, that is welcome."