Congolese sceptical of Jinping visit

[iolsa]

 Brazzaville - Congolese awaited a visit from China's new President Xi Jinping to the impoverished Republic of Congo starting on Friday, with many  expressing doubt that he will bring job opportunities with him.

“Let him bring work! The majority of young people here are unemployed,” said Edgar, a 34-year-old carpenter in the capital Brazzaville, in an effort to be hopeful.

But others bitterly noted that was not the pattern for Chinese investment.

When Chinese companies install themselves in Africa, they often bring Chinese workers with them at the expense of the local workforce.

“What's this going to change?” asked a taxi driver when he heard  of Xi's visit. “Whether he comes or not, what do I get out of it? I  have nothing to gain,” said another driver.

Xi on Wednesday attended talks in the South African port city of  Durban, where the BRICS group of emerging economic powers