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This year's BRICS Summit has a unique African flavor, with representatives from the African Union (AU), the African Development Bank, the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD ) and the regional economic communities of the continent. Commitments to establish a permanent BRICS office within the AU and more funding for priority infrastructure projects on the continent are likely outcomes of this summit.
I am the representative of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), which includes Eleven nations committed to deepen regional cooperation. We are a group of countries that share the view of the BRICS countries in combating economic protectionism and improving global trade.
We recognize that interdependence and our ability to trade with each other are essential to raising the standard of living of our people. We are a community that has learned the importance of establishing favorable environments for foreign investors and managing our finances with caution. In this regard, all ECCAS countries have worked closely with our IMF partners and unilateral partners to improve our financial situation and strengthen the skills of our local workforce. We are making progress in diversifying our economies and reducing dependence on oil revenues.
My own country, Gabon, has been engaged in a process of economic diversification since 2009, leading to the industrialization of our forest sector and ushering in new ambitious projects. agro-industrial and mining projects and new services with high added value. The progress we are making enables Gabon to position itself as a growth pole in the sub-region, offering foreign investors stable and good quality yields at a time when many OECD economies are slowing down.
Half an hour by car from the Gabonese capital, Libreville, we established a special economic zone in Nkok, which I'm proud to say that it has attracted more than 1.7 billion new investments from 80 investors from 18 countries and generated 2,800 jobs. A steel fabrication company, timber companies and furniture companies have each established a presence. We have given priority to investors and agri-food operators who can benefit from the tax incentives and infrastructure that we have established, with the goal of reducing our food import bill – $ 650 million – and strengthen our food security. Many South African companies, from citrus growers to avocado growers and cereal crops, have distinguished themselves in this sector and will be welcome in Gabon
I can not represent ECCAS without reference to biodiversity unique in our region dominated by the Congo Basin. This forest area, which comprises ten percent of the world's land, is the "second lung" of our planet, with a carbon capture rate exceeded only by the Amazon. It is a region that contains over 20% of all global mineral resources as well as oil and natural gas.
As leaders in the ECCAS region, we understand the need to exploit and develop these assets without compromising our biodiversity or damaging our water security. We are aware of the need to exploit these natural resources in ways that bring development, not just growth, for this generation and the next generation.
This means managing our forests and cultivating our lands to meet the needs of the large number of Africans who depend on our forest resources to live, as well as the global community that depends on our carbon sink. The way we manage our biodiversity is important for the rest of Africa and for the world. Witnesses from other continents suffering from air quality problems or rising temperatures, we can not ignore the vital role played by our region in dealing with the reality of climate change. Ensuring that the benefits derived from our lands and forests are equitably shared is a challenge that our regional institution – ECCAS – and national governments are employing, to ensure that the rich natural resources of the Congo Basin benefit humanity and contribute to sustainable development. the reduction of poverty in our region. Preserving our natural environment while enriching it for the benefit of our citizens who depend on our forests for their livelihood is not an easy task, but we are up to the challenge and supported by our partners donors.
On peace and security, I am pleased to say that we are making significant progress in our fight against terrorism and maritime piracy in the region, in collaboration with our international partners. Next week in Lome, a joint session of ECCAS and ECOWAS (Community of West African States) will advance our cooperation to overcome the scourge of radicalization represented by groups such as Boko Haram in the Sahel and northern Nigeria.
The progress we have made in recent years in the ECCAS subregion offers real opportunities for expanded co-operation with other nations, including the BRICS countries – which account for 40% of the world's population.
As ECCAS representative During this summit, I can assure you that our community of nations is aware of the need to establish partnerships between us and with the rest of the world. We consider that our cooperation with the BRICS countries is essential to the safety, security and prosperity of the whole world, and we cherish the opportunity to develop state-to-state and industry relations to industry that will allow our citizens to live in safety. , rival and motivated lives.
Ali Bongo Ondimba is the President of Gabon and the representative of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) at the BRICS Summit
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