Chinese and African Relations

Here's an interesting podcast from American Public Media; it appears some Chinese entrepreneurs are experiencing tensions with local Lesotho. 

"How do you draw foreign investment without driving your own citizens out of business? Lesotho's
business leaders say the government should train local entrepreneurs to
compete as the global economy comes to their doorstep. Thabang Mokatse
is with the Lesotho Chamber of Commerce. 

'If no steps are being taken, in no time, the whole economy will be in the hands of the Chinese.'

 

As there continues to be more investment in Africa by the Chinese, I think this potential tension is something that governments need to look into and educate all stakeholders (we'll see how that goes).

I also see a little resemblance here to the tensions between Korean Businesses in African American neighborhoods (especially in LA) in the States.  There is also a tinge of the same "them invading our borders" paranoia seen in the US against Mexicans. But there is also some truth in some Basotho small business being undercut by the influx of Chinese business. I can already see this being a slippery slope.

Give it a listen, its only about 5 mins. Thanks to AltNigeria Log for the info.