Senegal attaches great importance to its cooperation with Shandong, not only because the two sides have great cooperation potential in many fields such as economy and trade, but also because Shandong is committed to further opening up to the outside world, said Mamadou Ndiaye, Senegal's ambassador to China, in a signed article.

Mamadou Ndiaye, Senegal's ambassador to China [Photo/dzwww.com]

The ambassador noted that Senegal is committed to strengthening cooperation with Shandong in various fields, especially in agriculture and agro-processing, which are important pillars of the Senegalese economy.

He said that the close ties between Senegal and Shandong are inseparable from the good relations between Senegal and China, as evidenced by the frequent high-level visits that have strengthened mutual understanding and injected vitality into bilateral ties.

According to Ndiaye, China is Senegal's largest economic and trade partner, largest importer, largest source of investment and second largest exporter. China is also the largest export market of its peanuts.

Chinese companies have participated in many key projects in Senegal, such as the building of expressways, hospitals, industrial parks and the government-wide intranet.

Senegal boasts a favorable geographical location, high quality human resources and stable political environment, all of which have made the country a trade, shipping and maritime hub in West Africa. Senegal's economy is currently the fourth-largest in West Africa, behind Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Ghana.

Ndiaye said that Senegal will carry out cooperation with Shandong in the fields of manufacturing, education, culture and training so as to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.

"We sincerely expect Shandong enterprises to invest and do business in Senegal and use this as a platform to enter into a broader African and world market," he said.