Gabon's infrastructure plans get major boost

Xi said he was glad to see that Bongo chose China as the first country outside Africa to pay a state visit after he was re-elected as Gabonese president in August, which Xi said shows Bongo's firm resolution to develop ties with China.

Bongo expressed gratitude toward China's support, adding that Gabon wants to enhance cooperation with China in areas including investment, agriculture, minerals, technology, tourism, finance and infrastructure.

China is Gabon's largest trading partner and an important investment source.

In December last year, Xi and Bongo met ahead of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Bongo told Xinhua News Agency this month that Gabon welcomes more Chinese investment, especially in manufacturing, to create more employment for the country.

Some Chinese companies have already invested in the high-end wood processing industry in Gabon, and such manufacturing and processing industries are important for Gabon, he said.

Mentioning that Gabon's economy is facing difficulties caused by dropping oil prices, Bongo said that Gabon remains an attractive place for investors and has huge economic potential.