Gabon+Infrastructure+Projects


 * China Likely To Continue Infrastructure Investments Over The Next Five Years **

In the next five years China is likely to continue to invest in Gabon infrastructure projects. There have been a total of 3 infrastructure projects totaling USD 904 million that include various infrastructure developments. Of this money, China’s primary focus has been on iron ore projects with the country’s minerals. Due to Gabon’s performance in PNGSM, the Chinese are highly likely to invest in infrastructure projects that coincide with minerals; however petroleum and natural gas offer a potential for Chinese investments.
 * Executive Summary: **

In 2007 CMEC built a road for industrial use through Gabon’s Ivindo National Park. Construction of the road began in July 2007 and the 45 kilometer road opened in March 2008. The total amount for this project is USD 4 million. In April 2005 CMEC made plans to manage an infrastructural investment in Belinga; it would include the construction of 200 km of railway, a new deep water port and a hydroelectric dam, at a cost of USD 816 million. CMEC signed an official 25 year agreement with the Gabonese government and in exchange China would have access to 90 percent of the wealth that the mine generated. In February 2012 Gabon and mining firm BHP Billiton reached a deal that BHP would carry out the project, and the contract was taken from CMEC. In 2008 the Chinese government gave money to Gabon to fund the Grand Poubara Hydroelectric Project. The dam is being built to generate power for iron ore mining in Belinga. The hydropower plants will add approximately 6,000 jobs at a total cost of USD 84 million.
 * Discussion: **

** Analytic Confidence: **
Analytic confidence is medium. Source reliability ranges from medium to high. There is no conflict between sources. The analyst had low expertise on the subject, worked alone while also collaborating with a group, and did not use a structured analytic method. The subject is moderately complex and the deadline was moderately easy to meet.


 * Analyst: ** James Gibson