Blueprint for Cape Verdes Gateway into Africa - Essay Example

History and Political Science 10 December Summary Analysis about Cape Verde Dubai International Airport is Blueprint for Cape Verde's Gateway into Africa Naseba, which is a business information company, was mandated by the Capital Consulting Group to organize and manage a fundraising in Dubai to raise capital for the construction of an aviation hub in Cape Verde. The nation of Cape Verde is strategically located in the center of the Atlantic Ocean. It has institutions and rules that are favorable to both local and international investment, and has maintained political stability for a long time. In regard to this, the nation was rated among the top three African nations, and the safest for foreign investment. Cape Verde is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). As a result of all the mentioned factors, there has been increased tourism, American and European trade, and investment in Cape Verde in recent years. The Cape Verde government is happy with the nation’s development, and it has therefore taken the initiative to further develop the economy of Cap Verde. After a lot of evaluation and consultation, the government decided that establishment of an aviation hub in Cape Verde will lead in the attainment of further economic development. The government chose Dubai as a blueprint for their undertaking. The project is a long-term plan that will be executed in three phases. The first phase will involve investment of 310 million Euros and generation of 15,000 new construction jobs (“Dubai International Airport,” ameinfo.com).The second phase will involve the development of a fully operational airline and airport, while the third phase will involve investment of an additional 3billion Euros (“Dubai International Airport,” ameinfo.com) to ensure the creation of a consumer centered and commercially oriented strategic aviation hub. The establishment of an aviation hub similar ton Dubai in Cape Verde is a viable project. This is because it will promote trade, tourism, hospitality, and travel, which are the key sectors that drive growth in Cape Verde. The competitiveness of Cape Verde’s economy will also be enhanced, foreign direct investment will be enhanced, local companies in Cape Verde will be integrated into the global business community, and more jobs will be create. The establishment of an aviation hub in Cape Verde will have a great effect on the economy of Cape Verde and Africa in general. 2. Chinese Ambassador says that Cape Verde may get Chinese-African Trade Zone Beijing authorities plan to establish six special trade areas in Africa. According to a speech by Sun Rongmao, who is the Chinese ambassador to Cape Verde; Cape Verde may be selected as one of the six special trade areas. Sun supports the selection of Cape Verde due to its strategic geographical location. Sun added that he, together with the Chinese Embassy in Cape Verde were making great efforts to ensure that the Chinese government selects Cape Verde among the six trade areas. However, the decision by the Chinese government would depend on a number of other factors such as Cape Verde’s links to other African nations and the nation’s infrastructure. Jorge Borges, the foreign minister of Cape Verde emphasized on Cape Verde’s interest to Beijing authorities in holding the special trade area. He also emphasized on the nation’s strategic geographical location between Europe and the Americas, social stability, and the peace that abounds, making it favorable for economic undertakings. The support of Cape Verde’s selection as an African Economic Zone by the Chinese ambassador and the Chinese Embassy in Cape Verde is a great step in the attainment of Cape Verde’ s economic goals. Cape Verde’s interest in becoming an African Economic Zone is also a considerable factor. Another advantage comes from the fact that the nation’s geographical location is no doubt strategic and will promote businesses in Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The nation is also conducive for local and foreign investment given that it is politically and socially stable. 3. Counter-piracy: Sea Marshalls to Set Up Cape Verde Base In recent years, there has been increasing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. To stop piracy activities, the government of Cape Verde endorsed the Cape Verde Maritime Security Services with a license to exclusively investigate all Private Maritime Security Companies wishing to use Cape Verde as a base for entry and exit of armed security teams. Cape Verde Maritime Security Services will conduct inspections on behalf of the government of Cape Verde to ensure that all Private Maritime Security Companies abide by established rules and regulations, which are part of local and international laws and regulations. In regard to this, all Private Maritime Security Companies are required to meet support, training, and insurance level standards. After receiving the first permit form Cape Verde government, Thomas Jakobsson, who is the Chief Executive of SeaMarshalls said that the company will work hard to fight piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and also emphasized that the company is excellent in abiding by new rules and regulations. The nation of Cape Verde has for a long time been a secure location for local and international businesses and tourism. In fact, the nation is well known for its security as well as social and political stability. There is dire need for the government of Cape Verde to maintain security which is a principal factor in business and investment, and overall growth of the nation’s economy. Allowing the Cape Verde Maritime Security Services to investigate all Private Maritime Security Companies and maintain security in the region is a great step towards maintaining security. 4. Nigeria/Cape Verde: Afcon 2013 - How Did Cape Verde Do It? - I Am in the Future Odegbami takes time to write down about his perceived future of Cape Verde. In his imagination, it is January 2013, and the twenty ninth Africa Cup of Nations opening ceremony, is taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa. Among those present are the President of the Federal Republic of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, the President of FIFA, Sepp Blatter, and the President of the Confederation of African Football, Issa Hayatou. A curtain-raiser match is set to take place between the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde Islands, who apparently recently defeated the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, who won a championship in the World Cup. This makes the match a contest between two giants. Despite having qualified for this match, the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde are viewed with a lot of suspense, mystery, curiosity, and exciting challenge, while the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon are still to recover from the shock of being defeated by their opponents from Cape Verde given that they have always been on top. The question of how Cape Verde managed to outshine Cameroon in football lingers in the mind of everyone present as they wait to see the outcome of the match. Despite being just an island with a population of very few people and hardly noticeable in anything major, Cape Verde managed to defeat the famous Cameroonians in football. There are those who believe that the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde managed to win by sheer luck and if this is the case, the match will determine it. However, there are those who do not view the nation as inferior due to its size, population, or lack of fame in football, but by the hard work that the people have put in their undertakings. The Blue Sharks of Cape Verde might win or not win in the match but one thing is for sure, their defeat of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, who were once believed to be unbeatable, has shown them that they can succeed. So whether others are in doubt of them or not, the people of Cape Verde are determined to shine. 5. USS Simpson, US Coast Guard Participate in Cape Verde-led AMLEP Operations Between March 27, 2012, and April 18, 2012, Cape Verde led and took part in the African Maritime Law Enforcement Partnership (AMLEP) operations, aimed to promote maritime security in Africa. The operations also involved the United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, and sailors from the USS Simpson. The African Maritime Law Enforcement Partnership (AMLEP) is an operational division of the Africa Partnership Station (APS), which was a project established to promote safety and security in Africa, and enhance maritime partnerships. AMLEP on the other hand is a strengthened measure to promote law enforcement in the territorial waters of African nations, European nations, and the United States. The programme aims to protect these territorial waters by restraining and stopping illicit violations taking place in transnational waters. Through AMLEP and APS operations, international partnerships are created and strengthened, and Africa as a whole benefits from having safety and security maintained. A move towards joining other nations to promote security and maritime security by the nation of Cape Verde is a good move towards enhancing international partnership. The nation stands to benefit from having good security, and political and social stability maintained. Consequently, the nation of Cape Verde will continue to boost its economy by encourage more local and foreign investors, who will be promised of successful investment in a secure and politically and socially stable nation. 6. Cape Verde is Available to Send Troops to Guinea-Bissau In April 2012, there was a coup in Guinea Bissau. After a meeting with the President of Cape Verde, Jorge Tolentino, Cape Verde’s ambassador to Poland stated that for Cape Verde to participate in solving the problem in Guinea Bissau there was need for an analysis. Cape Verde planned to participate under the auspice of the United Nations rather than as the nation itself. According to the defense minister of Cape Verde, the armed forces in Cape Verde were sufficiently qualified, and had the necessary materials and human resources. They could therefore act on a humanitarian or military level. Jorge Tolentino added that navy ships were available off the Guinean cost in case of any eventuality. The ships could be used to rescue Portuguese citizens from Guinea Bissau, as well as Cape Verdeans. Reason for this was not because anything bad was expected to happen but desperate times called for desperate measures. The situation in Guinea Bissau was discussed by Mamadou Djalo Pires, Guinean Foreign Minister, the heads of diplomacy of Portugal, Angola, and the Ambassador of Costa Ivory together with the United Nations Security Council. They agreed on the need for action and sent a peacekeeping force to Guinea Bissau so that power would be returned to civilians. Hand in hand with other nations and programs to restore peace in war-torn regions and nations. Cape Verde is a nation that maintains peace within its borders and works with other nations to ensure that peace is maintained even outside its borders. This is clearly seen in the role that Cape Verde took to restore peace in Guinea Bissau. The government of Cape Verde however respected the sovereignty of Guinea Bissau as a nation, and in regard to this, the nation decided to analyze the situation and act under the auspice of the United Nations. The nation is very keen in protecting the lives and welfare of its citizens, so the government of Cape Verde stayed in readiness in case of any eventuality that would require rescuing of Cape Verdeans in Guinea Bissau. 7. Cape Verde's National Team Cancels Tour to the U.S. In April 2012, the Cape Verdean Federation of Football cancelled a tour of its players to the United States after denial of visas for eight of its players by the United States Consulate in Praia. Mario Semedo, President of the Cape Verdean Federation of Football confirmed the news and expressed the dissatisfaction of the football federation and its players given that no reason was given for the action taken by the United States Consulate in Praia. He added that the Cape Verdean Federation of Football made several attempts to solve the problem, but the decision made was final and the players could only wait for another opportunity. Governments in all places have unalienable rights to make decisions without giving reasons. This however becomes a cause of dissatisfaction for those seeking to understand reasons for a cause of action. However, whichever the case, such decisions ought to be respected to avoid further disagreements that could lead to greater problems. The Cape Verdean Federation of Football was definitely not happy with the decision made by the United States Consulate in Praia, but respecting it was a good move to avoid further conflicts. Works Cited “Cape Verde is Available to Send Troops to Guinea-Bissau.” mycapeverdenews.com. April 20, 2012. Web. December 10, 2012. < http://www.mycapeverdenews.com/2012/04/cape-verde-is-available-to-send-troops.html>. “Cape Verde's National Team Cancels Tour to the U.S.” mycapeverdenews.com. April 12, 2012. Web. December 10, 2012. < http://www.mycapeverdenews.com/2012/04/cape-verdes-national-team-cancels-tour.html>. “Chinese Ambassador Says that Cape Verde may get Chinese-African Trade Zone.” macauhub.com.mo. May 25, 2007. Web. December 10, 2012. . “Counter-Piracy: Sea Marshalls to Set Up Cape Verde Base.” marinelink.com. December 9, 2012. Web. December 10, 2012. < http://www.marinelink.com/news/counterpiracy-marshalls349873.aspx>. “Dubai International Airport is Blueprint for Cape Verde's Gateway into Africa.” ameinfo.com. November 11, 2012. Web. December 10, 2012. . Odegbami. “Nigeria/Cape Verde: Afcon 2013 - How Did Cape Verde Do It? - I Am in the Future.” allafrica.com. December 2, 2012. Web. December 10, 2012. < http://allafrica.com/stories/201212020114.html>. “USS Simpson, US Coast Guard Participate in Cape Verde-led AMLEP Operations.” mycapeverdenews.com. April 20, 2012. Web. December 10, 2012. < http://www.mycapeverdenews.com/2012/04/uss-simpson-us-coast-guard-participate.html>. 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