Gambian Ambassador to China Dembo M. Badjie told Beijing Review reporter Li Nan on October 9 how he views the upcoming 19th CPC National Congress. The following is an edited version of the interview:

Beijing Review: How do you view China's achievements both at home and on the world stage since the 18th CPC National Congress in November 2012? What has impressed you most during your term in China?

Dembo M. Badjie: China has assumed a larger role in global affairs since the 18th CPC National Congress. China hosted the G20 Summit successfully. China launched the Belt and Road Initiative. In the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation China gave a big allocation to African development. China supported the advocacy for reforms in the United Nations.

What impressed me most during my term in China is the visionary and dynamic leadership of President Xi Jinping. I was also amazed by China's innovation as well as its technological and infrastructural development.

What do you think about the CPC's governing capability?

I think the CPC's governing capacity is good in light of the unprecedented rate of development in China, as I have witnessed in recent years.

What are your expectations of this congress and China-Gambia ties for the next five years?

I expect the 19th CPC National Congress to produce a blueprint for the consolidation of China's achievements.

China and Gambia resumed diplomatic relations in 2016. Since then this relationship has been growing from strength to strength.

China is building infrastructure in African countries, including the Gambia International Conference Center. How important is infrastructure improvement in promoting local development?

Without infrastructure, development cannot proceed to the benefit of society. Gambia appreciates China’s gesture in building the International Conference Center to help the country handle conferences at all levels, including head of states summits.

China is promoting its Belt and Road Initiative. How do you think Gambia can participate in the initiative?

Gambia can benefit from the Belt and Road Initiative by submitting projects to the Chinese Government for funding to meet the social and economic needs of the country.

Copyedited by Chris Surtees

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