Minister believes China-DR Congo infrastructure collaboration helps people 2023

According to Alexis Gisaro Muvuni, DRC’s minister of state for infrastructure and public works, infrastructure cooperation between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and China has produced fruitful results and tangible benefits for DRC citizens.

In an interview with Xinhua, Muvuni, a member of the DR Congo government delegation, praised the infrastructure cooperation between the two nations.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the largest country in Sub-Saharan Africa with abundant natural resources. The country’s economic growth accelerated to 8.6% in 2022 from 6.2% in 2021 due to mining sector investment and exports, according to data compiled by the World Bank.

From May 24 to May 29, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi is on a state visit to China.

Muvuni stated that since the 1970s, the Chinese government has assisted the DRC in building initiatives such as the People’s Palace, which houses the National Assembly and the Senate, and the Martyrs Stadium.

“The People’s Palace is where significant political events are held, whereas the Martyrs Stadium, which can accommodate up to 80,000 people, frequently hosts a variety of major events.

Therefore, these projects demonstrated the vitality of China-DR Congo infrastructure cooperation,” he said, adding that the Haut-Katanga General Demonstration Hospital, which was completed in 2020 with assistance from China, is another illustration of such cooperation.

According to Muvuni, he is most enthusiastic about the Central African Cultural and Arts Center, which is being funded by China. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year and is regarded as one of Africa’s most significant China-funded initiatives.

“This is another flagship project for the cooperation between the two countries,” Muvuni said, adding that he closely monitors the construction of the art center.

Muvuni stated that Chinese businesses and investors have actively promoted bilateral infrastructure cooperation and made substantial contributions to local communities over the years.

According to him, Chinese businesses legitimately support Africa by constructing infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, and providing tangible benefits to the Congolese people.

Muvuni also anticipates that increased commercial exchanges between the two nations will benefit their economies as a whole.