00:00Since diplomatic relations between China and Namibia were established all those decades ago,
00:05the relationship has gone from strength to strength.
00:08Beijing is the African country's second largest trading partner and a key source of foreign investment.
00:14Our correspondent Nick Mudimba reports.
00:17China and Namibia established relations on 22nd March 1990, the day after Namibia's independence.
00:25Over the years the two sides have continued to bolster bilateral ties through a series of cooperative projects
00:31with a particular focus on areas such as infrastructure, energy and natural resources.
00:36Bilateral trade reached 1.4 billion US dollars last year
00:40and China accounts for about 30% of the total foreign direct investment in Namibia.
00:47The trade has increased over the years,
00:51especially in terms of exports.
00:55It's mostly mineral resources.
00:59As some might be aware, Namibia is rich in mineral resources,
01:06including uranium, gold, as well as to some extent, lithium.
01:15So the export is mostly in these areas.
01:19And of late, we have seen also exporting the Namibian beef to China.
01:26Along with economic development, China has supported Namibia in its social development,
01:31bringing tangible benefits to the Namibian people.
01:34China has completed several aid projects in Namibia,
01:37including well drilling, affordable housing, children's activity centres,
01:41rural schools, youth training centres, irrigation projects and aquaculture centres.
01:46The fact that Namibia is collaborating with China,
01:50there are also interests that Namibia wants to advance.
01:55These interests are not static.
01:58As I have explained, in the 60s, it's about political relations and the fight for liberation.
02:04After independence, in Namibia, it's about development.
02:10The various grant projects by the Chinese government have contributed to Namibia's efforts
02:15to combat drought and upgrade infrastructure.
02:18China and Namibia have worked together on a number of renewable energy projects,
02:23including the 50-megawatt Serene Luderitz Wind Power Station.
02:27China was the first country to provide vaccine assistance to Namibia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
02:33Since 1996, China has sent 15 medical teams to Namibia
02:37to enhance health care services in the country.
02:40Nick Mudimba
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