Benin/Participation of the Vice-President in the G20 Compact with Africa Summit: Benin makes a strong statement

The Vice-President of the Republic, Mrs Mariam Chabi Talata, took part in the fourth Summit on the German initiative "G20 Compact With Africa" on behalf of the Head of State on Friday 27 August 2021 by video conference. For her first participation in this high level Summit whose proceedings were led by the German Chancellor Mrs Angela MERKEL, the Vice-President of the Republic was accompanied for the occasion by the Minister of State in charge of Economy and Finance Mr Romuald WADAGNI and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Mr Aurelien AGBENONCI.

The aim of the initiative is to improve the basic conditions for investment and trade in the German-African partnership and to promote new forms of mutually beneficial and sustainable partnership.

The conference was held because Germany wanted to discuss with its African partners, members of the G20 Compact With Africa initiative, the current major challenges posed by the health context of the new coronavirus pandemic.

COVID 19 has revealed our individual and collective weaknesses. Its essential remedy is solidarity, the fall of walls, of all walls'' said the Vice-President of the Republic during the proceedings. She also laid particular emphasis on the challenges faced by Benin in the face of the pandemic and the country's expectations by participating in this Summit.

In terms of health, Mrs Mariam Chabi TALATA informed the Conference that Benin's fundamental strategy remains the total vaccination of its citizens. On the economic level, she said that the major challenge of the country is the organization and financing of the revival of inclusive and sustainable growth. Benin proposes, in terms of experiences to be shared with others, the use of innovative financing instruments as a lever for economic growth.Benin proposes, in terms of experiences to be shared with others, the use of innovative financing instruments as a lever for mobilizing resources from the private sector of G20 countries, such as the issuance of ODD euro bonds," she added.

Finally, on the social level, the Vice-President of the Republic pointed out that the health crisis, through the barriers it imposes, has reduced productivity, destroyed jobs and increased the vulnerability of youth and women. Benin, in her voice, hopes to be able to count on the support of its partners in the "G20 Compact With Africa" in the implementation of strategies adapted to its realities. These include partnership with the private sector of G20 countries in the construction of health, economic and socio-educational infrastructure in connection with its policies, then support and accompaniment of the National Institute of Women for more protection and empowerment of Beninese women who have become more vulnerable.

Source: presidence.bj/actualite