Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BANJUL109
2007-03-01 17:06:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Banjul
Cable title:
THE GAMBIA: U.S./CHINA DIALOG ON AFRICA
how-toVZCZCXRO2177 OO RUEHMA RUEHPA DE RUEHJL #0109 0601706 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 011706Z MAR 07 FM AMEMBASSY BANJUL TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7345 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS BANJUL 000109
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT. FOR AF/RSA - D. EPSTEIN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL ECON EFIN ENRG CH GA
SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: U.S./CHINA DIALOG ON AFRICA
REF: STATE 24937
UNCLAS BANJUL 000109
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT. FOR AF/RSA - D. EPSTEIN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL ECON EFIN ENRG CH GA
SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: U.S./CHINA DIALOG ON AFRICA
REF: STATE 24937
1. Since 1994, the GOTG has maintained diplomatic relations
with Taiwan, and The Gambia's relationship with Mainland
China is confined to the economic arena. Despite the lack of
official ties, Mainland China's exports to The Gambia have
grown tremendously in recent years -- 523 percent between
2002 and 2004. As of 2004, Mainland China was The Gambia's
second largest trading partner, exporting dols 40 million
worth of goods to this country. We believe that Mainland
China's exports to The Gambia are continuing to increase.
Mainland China's imports from The Gambia are minimal, valued
at a little over dols 500,000 in 2004.
2. The main imports from China are foodstuffs, textiles,
footwear, chemicals, machinery, and electronics. Exports
consist primarily of groundnut oil. Exports of minerals,
metals, and lumber are virtually non-existent. The Gambia
has no domestic oil production.
3. Following the severing of official ties in 1994, we are
aware of only one Mainland Chinese company continuing to
operate here, the Guangxi International Construction
Engineering Corporation Ltd. (GIGEC). While this firm was
involved in various major construction projects here prior to
1994, we are not aware of its currently implementing any such
projects here. However, the firm doubtless serves as a
conduit for the ever-growing volume of Mainland Chinese
exports to The Gambia.
STAFFORD
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT. FOR AF/RSA - D. EPSTEIN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL ECON EFIN ENRG CH GA
SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: U.S./CHINA DIALOG ON AFRICA
REF: STATE 24937
1. Since 1994, the GOTG has maintained diplomatic relations
with Taiwan, and The Gambia's relationship with Mainland
China is confined to the economic arena. Despite the lack of
official ties, Mainland China's exports to The Gambia have
grown tremendously in recent years -- 523 percent between
2002 and 2004. As of 2004, Mainland China was The Gambia's
second largest trading partner, exporting dols 40 million
worth of goods to this country. We believe that Mainland
China's exports to The Gambia are continuing to increase.
Mainland China's imports from The Gambia are minimal, valued
at a little over dols 500,000 in 2004.
2. The main imports from China are foodstuffs, textiles,
footwear, chemicals, machinery, and electronics. Exports
consist primarily of groundnut oil. Exports of minerals,
metals, and lumber are virtually non-existent. The Gambia
has no domestic oil production.
3. Following the severing of official ties in 1994, we are
aware of only one Mainland Chinese company continuing to
operate here, the Guangxi International Construction
Engineering Corporation Ltd. (GIGEC). While this firm was
involved in various major construction projects here prior to
1994, we are not aware of its currently implementing any such
projects here. However, the firm doubtless serves as a
conduit for the ever-growing volume of Mainland Chinese
exports to The Gambia.
STAFFORD