During his visit to China this weekend, Benin’s President Patrice Talon announced a significant measure: the removal of visa requirements for Chinese nationals wishing to visit and invest in Benin. This decision aims to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Now, Chinese citizens no longer need to obtain a visa to travel to this West African nation. This decision underscores President Talon’s commitment to facilitating the free movement of individuals and promoting trade and investments along the Cotonou-Beijing axis.
It was during his speech at the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) that the Beninese Head of State proclaimed the complete removal of visas for Chinese nationals wishing to visit Benin. He emphasized the importance of introducing Chinese visitors to Benin’s rich history and culture, acknowledging that mutual cultural understanding often enhances the success of commercial exchanges.
“Promoting exchanges and investments also requires the free movement of people. Since 2016, with the introduction of e-visas in Benin, we have greatly simplified the visa issuance process. But I would like to go further by announcing here the total removal of visas for Chinese nationals who wish to visit Benin and discover our history, our culture, because very often, commercial exchanges also result from a deep mutual cultural understanding,” he stated.
“I hope to return from China with some additional investors because Benin’s ambition is to become an industrial hub for the transformation of agricultural products such as cashews, cotton, shea butter, pineapples, soybeans, etc.,” Mr. Talon added.
This visit by the Beninese Head of State to Xi Jinping’s country has led to significant results, including the signing of 13 cooperation agreements in various sectors.