Gabon's politicians continue to question the delays in the
starting-up of the Bélinga iron ore mine and its associated
infrastructure works. But financing issues and constant threats
of renegotiation have not inspired confidence. As may happen to
the China International Fund deal in Guinea (AAC Vol 2
No 11), in Gabon, a change in government has introduced calls
for the re-evaluation of Chinese-backed projects. During his first
policy pronouncements of a new term in office, new President Ali
Ben Bongo Ondimba's Prime Minister Paul Biyoghé
Mba said that the US$3.5 billion iron ore deal agreed in 2008
might not stand as is. In further bad news, in July, China Export-Import
Bank announced that it would not support the Chinese consortium
behind the project, due in part to worries about feasibility studies
and concerns over public opposition....
(This article contains approximately 773 words)
