Cabo Verde and China signed the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development during a visit to China by Cabo Verde’s Minister of Economy, Trade, Industry and Digital Transition, António Baptista, in early September. The agreement was signed in Beijing by António Baptista and China’s Vice Minister of Commerce, Li Chenggang. It establishes a framework for strengthening economic and trade relations between the two countries.

During the mission, the Cabo Verdean delegation made contacts to explore future twinning arrangements between Cabo Verdean municipalities and Chinese provinces. It also discussed potential investment by Chinese private companies in projects with economic and social benefits for the country.

In the customs sector, the delegation visited Chinese customs agencies and identified potential areas for co-operation, including sharing experience and good practices, technical training and trade facilitation. António Baptista also met with the leadership of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA).

According to the Ministry, direct co-operation between local entities in the two countries could help secure funding for initiatives with a social impact on Cabo Verdean communities.

(Source: Jornal Económico, 23 September)