China and Guinea-Bissau established diplomatic relations in 1974, but these were interrupted between 1990 and 1998. During this hiatus, the Guinean Government recognized the Republic of China, or Taiwan, as a sovereign state, to the detriment of the People's Republic of China.
Among the infrastructures built in the African country with support from China are the National People's Assembly building, the Government headquarters building, the Palace of Justice, the Presidential Palace and several hospital units.
The Buba, Catió and Quebo roads, Cacine, a bridge over the Farim River or a "large conference center" for the presidency of Guinea-Bissau of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), announced this week by the Guinean President, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, before embarking for Beijing, where he begins a three-day state visit this Wednesday, are other works financed by China, also within the scope of the Chinese Belt and Road initiative.
In 2021, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding within the scope of the Belt and Road.
Designated by Chinese President Xi Jinping as the "project of the century", the initiative was initially presented in Kazakhstan as a new economic corridor for Eurasia, inspired by the ancient Silk Road. In the last decade, however, Belt and Road has acquired a global dimension, as more than 150 countries around the world have joined the program.
The rapprochement between Beijing and the countries involved includes an increase in political consultations and cooperation in the areas of cyberspace, academia, the press, trade rules or monetary circulation agreements, aiming to increase the role of the Chinese currency, the yuan, in commercial exchanges. Belt and Road also involved the founding of institutions that rival established agencies such as the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund.
In an article published by the official Chinese press, the Guinean ambassador in Beijing, António Serifo Embaló, highlighted the construction of the only road in Guinea-Bissau that connects the Osvaldo Vieira international airport to the town of Safim, a project costing 13.6 million euros.
"Chinese support exemplifies the commitment to implementing the Belt and Road Initiative (...) and establishes a solid foundation for the economic and social development of Guinea-Bissau, enhancing the relationship between the two nations", pointed out the diplomat.
Serifo Embaló highlighted the infrastructure, transport, electricity, mining, agriculture and healthcare sectors as priority areas for future collaboration and development.
At a business level, the fishing sector has been an important focus of activity. Among the Chinese companies operating in the country is the China National Fisheries Corporation. The main Artisanal Fishing Port, in Bissau, budgeted at 26 million dollars (24 million euros), was also built by a Chinese state group, as a donation.
Trade between the two countries is done in one direction: In 2023, China exported around 60 million dollars (55 million euros), mainly polished rice, portable communication stations and shoes, while Chinese imports stood at around 2,000 dollars (1,800 euros), the main products being machine parts, according to data from Chinese customs.
Umaro Sissoco Embaló's program in China includes meetings with Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and a visit to the state-owned Aluminum Corporation of China, based in Beijing. On Thursday, the Guinean head of state will travel to Shanghai, the economic "capital" of the Asian country, where he will meet with representatives of the local government, visit the Research Institute of the Chinese technology group Huawei and the university city of Songjiang.
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