By: Modou Kanteh
Four Gambians from the Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters recently concluded over a week long training on ocean governance at the Second Institute of Oceanography (SIO) in the city of Hangzhou, in the People’s Republic of China. The occasion brought together 25 participant from five countries in West Africa including The Gambia.
The objective of the training was to enhance ocean governance and marine ecological protection capacities of African countries through sharing China’s policy experience, technical expertise, and practical approaches in marine environmental management, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of global oceans and fostering China-Africa cooperation in the marine sector.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Chen Jianfang, Deputy Director General of the Second Institute of Oceanography, (SIO) Ministry of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China said, the training course represents far more than knowledge transfer—it stands as a vivid practice of deepening China-Africa marine cooperation and a significant milestone in building “Blue Partnership.” He said China is aware that in facing shared challenges like climate change and marine pollution, enhancing ocean governance capabilities is crucial for achieving sustainable development.
“Over these seven days, we have engaged in profound exchanges through diverse formats—theoretical discussions,” the Professor observed. He applauded participants for their professionalism and the learning passion they had demonstrated during the training.
Prof. Jianfang, pointed out that the cooperation between China and African partners has yielded fruitful results, particularly in marine surveys, blue economic development, and marine disaster prevention and mitigation. He said through platforms like China-Africa Marine Science and Blue Economy Cooperation Center, the partnership continues to grow stronger. The professor said Africa remains a vital partner in jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative.
For his part, Mr. Nie Long, Deputy Director of the Foreign Economic and Trade Cooperation Bureau of Department of Commerce of Zhejiang Province said the training course marks a significant milestone in deepening maritime cooperation between Zhejiang Province and African countries.
According to Mr. Long the occasion was not just concluding training but sowing the seeds for future cooperation. He said Zhejiang Province has always upheld the principle of “mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.” He expressed Zhejiang Province readiness to pursue more practical collaboration with African partners in deepening talent exchanges, expanding industrial connectivity, and strengthening institutional mechanisms.
Omar Jarju, Elvert Ayambem Ekom, Kenechi Edith Okezie participants from The Gambia and Nigeria praised the government of the People’s Republic of China for organising the programme for African countries.
The closing ceremony was chaired by Ms. Mao Yangyang Deputy Director of International Cooperation Center.