17 May 2013
There are many generalisations about ‘the Chinese’ in Africa, but what is it really like to work with them? The Guardian spoke to Dr Grimm, Director of the CCS and Deborah Bräutigam, a professor of international development and comparative politics at John Hopkins University in Baltimore. Prof Bräutigam explains that “It’s a myth to think that everything the Chinese do happens quickly. I’ve seen negotiations drag on for a long time, especially for bigger initiatives like hydropower dams or mining projects, which would not normally be financed through the aid programme. If you look at any of the big deals that have been announced, they don’t happen quickly. However, it’s also a myth that Chinese firms don’t hire local people.” Dr Sven however said that “we should not forget that [it's not unusual], once you have won a tender, to renegotiate later on, when costs are increasing. This is also the case with some European projects – look at the new concert house in Hamburg, for instance.” [Click here for the full article]
