AVZ Discussion 2022
- Thread starter GazDix
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cruiser51
Top 20
Matata Ponyo Mapon (born 5 June 1964)[1] is a Congolese politician who served as the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 18 April 2012 to 17 November 2016.[2] Previously he served as Minister of Finance from 21 February 2010 to 12 April 2012;[3][4][5] as Prime Minister, he retained responsibility for the finance portfolio. He currently serves as Senator for Maniema.[6][7] On 3 May 2022, he founded the political party Leadership and Governance for Development (Leadership et Gouvernance pour le Développement, LGD) and ran as its candidate in the 2023 presidential election.[8]
On a different more pleasant note: Oscar won the SA Grand Prix and leads F1 the world championship.
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Frank
Top 20
DRC and US negotiate future mining agreement
A mining agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United States is currently under negotiation.It is not yet a signed contract, but a framework under discussion, designed to attract more US investment in the Congolese mining sector.
According to the Trump administration, this project is part of its economic strategy for the African continent.
But how is this initiative actually perceived from the American point of view?
The aim of this deal between the DRC and the United States is to allow American companies to invest in Congolese mining, but also in the necessary infrastructure, such as roads, railways, dams and energy.
The US government does not directly manage mines, but facilitates investment through institutions such as DFC or EXIM bank.
The US insists on a “win-win” partnership, compliant with local and international laws, including the environment, work, and anti-corruption.
China well established in the DRC
But this project comes in a particular context. China is now the DRC’s largest trading partner.It accounts for more than half of Congolese exports, and almost half of which are imports. It largely dominates the mining sector.
In the provinces of North and South Kivu, Chinese companies are also regularly accused of exploiting gold and other minerals illegally, often linked to smuggling networks.
It remains to be seen how the US intends to integrate into this complex landscape, especially in unstable areas.
On this point, Washington remains discreet.
The United States on track to drastically reduce its diplomatic presence in Africa
The US is ready to reduce its “soft power” in Africa.This is news from The New York Times, for the time being denied by the head of US diplomacy.
A “total structural reorganization” of the State Department would be in preparation in a presidential decree.
The US diplomatic presence on the African continent would be considerably reduced.
In the United States, a project to restructure the State Department is still a secret.
But the New York Times was able to access the details of the plan.
The biggest change is the reorganization of America’s diplomatic presence in four different regions: Eurasia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific.
So the exit of Africa.
The current office for Africa would be abolished and replaced by a “office of the Special Envoy for African Affairs” that would be subordinate to the National Internal Security Council of the White House, not the State Department.
The draft also states that “all non-essential embassies and consulates in sub-Saharan Africa will be closed”.
Finally, all remaining missions will be grouped under the authority of a special envoy.
Moreover, several US media outlets this past week reported potential drastic cuts in the State Department’s budget, which would lead to the end of UN funding.
Most of the Security Council’s agenda is the African continent.
www.rfi.fr/fr/
LEFOOL
Regular
Frank
Top 20
Chinese Battery Giants Shatter U.S. Control: $100 Billion Lithium Revolution Unleashed as Washington Faces Energy Dominance Collapse
In a bold move to fortify domestic supply chains amid escalating geopolitical tensions, Chinese firms Kandi Technologies and CBAK Energy are setting up two lithium battery production facilities in the United States, aiming to capitalize on the surging demand for high-performance battery systems in the off-road and recreational vehicle markets.
The collaboration between Kandi Technologies and CBAK Energy marks a significant development in the U.S. energy landscape.
By establishing lithium battery production facilities on American soil, these Chinese firms are positioning themselves to meet the increasing demand for electric power in the off-road and recreational vehicle sectors.
Amid rising geopolitical tensions, this move underscores a strategic focus on localizing production and fortifying supply chains.
The partnership promises to deliver high-performance battery systems, aligning with U.S. clean energy goals and offering a resilient response to potential global supply disruptions.
Strategic Shift, Local Focus
The initiative by Kandi Technologies and CBAK Energy represents a calculated strategic shift aimed at strengthening local production capabilities.The first facility will focus on the assembly of battery packs, while the second will concentrate on manufacturing battery cells.
Each facility will function as a joint venture, with separate ownership structures reflecting the specific objectives and scale of each project.
Kandi will lead the battery pack assembly plant, holding a 90% stake, while CBAK will take charge of the battery cell manufacturing, also retaining a 90% share.
This dual approach is designed to integrate the production process, from initial cell manufacturing to the assembly of complete systems, ensuring a streamlined operation.
By setting up these plants, the companies aim to build a robust domestic supply chain, thereby reducing reliance on international sources.
This move is further supported by clean energy incentives from the U.S.
Inflation Reduction Act, which encourages the localization of energy production.
Such strategic positioning not only helps in mitigating the risks associated with global supply chain disruptions but also enables these companies to capitalize on the burgeoning U.S. market for clean energy solutions.
Incentives and Expansion
The decision to establish these facilities in the U.S. aligns with broader goals of expanding market presence and leveraging local incentives.According to Feng Chen, CEO of Kandi Technologies, localizing production enhances the agility of the supply chain and aligns with U.S. clean energy policy incentives.
This strategic move positions the companies to meet the rapidly growing demand in the off-road and recreational vehicle category, potentially creating significant shareholder value.
While the specific locations for these facilities are still under consideration, CBAK Energy is also expanding its production capacity globally.
The company plans to reach a production capacity of 7.6 gigawatt-hours by the end of 2025.
Additionally, new production facilities are being established in Southeast Asia, operational by 2026, to mitigate geopolitical risks.
The North American market for off-road vehicles, valued at $16.7 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to approximately $25.0 billion by 2030, providing a lucrative opportunity for this partnership to tap into the expanding battery demand.
Navigating Geopolitical Tensions
The collaboration between Kandi Technologies and CBAK Energy unfolds against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China.Recent trade disputes, including China’s suspension of exports of critical minerals, highlight the vulnerability of global supply chains.
This partnership is a strategic response aimed at minimizing these geopolitical risks by establishing a more resilient and localized supply infrastructure.
Zhiguang Hu, CEO of CBAK Energy, emphasizes that their expertise in cell design and production is pivotal for setting up a reliable local supply for emerging vehicle platforms.
The collaboration not only reflects a shared vision to globalize advanced battery manufacturing but also adapts to the evolving demands of the U.S. market.
By focusing on local production and supply, Kandi and CBAK are effectively insulating themselves from potential international trade disruptions, ensuring a steady supply of battery systems for the U.S. market.
The Future of Battery Production
As the demand for off-road and recreational vehicles continues to surge, the need for efficient and high-performance battery systems becomes increasingly critical.The partnership between Kandi Technologies and CBAK Energy is poised to deliver on this demand, offering advanced battery solutions tailored for specific applications.
Their focus on integrating cell and pack production not only enhances efficiency but also promises to deliver cutting-edge technology to the market.
By investing in U.S.-based facilities, these companies are preparing to play a significant role in the future of battery production.
This move also aligns with broader global trends towards sustainable energy solutions and the transition to electric vehicles.
As they navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and leverage local incentives, Kandi and CBAK are setting a precedent for the future of energy production in the United States.
The strategic collaboration between Kandi Technologies and CBAK Energy marks a pivotal moment in the landscape of battery production, with far-reaching implications for the U.S. market.
As they develop local facilities, they not only address immediate market demands but also contribute to shaping a sustainable energy future.
How will this partnership influence the broader dynamics of international trade and energy production in the years to come?
www.sustainability-times.com
All this talk of trade agreements etc over the weekend, and lo and behold what headline pops up this afternoon but:
"China warns countries against striking trade deals with US at its expense"
www.abc.net.au
"China warns countries against striking trade deals with US at its expense"
China warns countries against negotiating trade deals with the US at its expense
China has warned countries against striking a broader economic deal with the United States at its expense, ratcheting up its rhetoric in a spiralling trade war between the world's two biggest economies.
cruiser51
Top 20
Amazing the reaction when a bully meets a bully.All this talk of trade agreements etc over the weekend, and lo and behold what headline pops up this afternoon but:
"China warns countries against striking trade deals with US at its expense"
China warns countries against negotiating trade deals with the US at its expense
China has warned countries against striking a broader economic deal with the United States at its expense, ratcheting up its rhetoric in a spiralling trade war between the world's two biggest economies.
As mentioned before, Chaina will not give up easy what they paid for with brown paper bags and considers theirs, while Felix tries to sell the same car 3 times.
AVZ will win their court cases, however we need the USA support to monetise it.
Team DRC/Chaina would just ignore the outcome and wipe their back side with that paper it is written on.
Frank
Top 20
Spikerama
Regular
Oh dear... he never learns does he.
Apologies if already posted
www.state.gov/briefings/department-press-briefing-april-17-2025
QUESTION: Yes. Thank you. Thank you, Tammy. So today I was watching the briefing with Special Senior Advisor of President Trump Mr. Massad Boulos. He just returned from peace trip to Africa.
MS BRUCE: Yes.
QUESTION: He visit DRC.
MS BRUCE: Yes, he did.
QUESTION: And he shared some of the meetings that he had with some presidents in this region. So I want to hear from you. He mentioned about discussion of these mineral deals between United States and DRC. But the main purpose of – of the main interesting of the DRC is the peace that they are looking for in the region.
MS BRUCE: Yes, of course. It’s what we all want everywhere.
QUESTION: So can you share with us how confident Trump’s Administration is that this time finally there will be peace for Congolese people? Because until today, there is people dying in the region.
MS BRUCE: Well, that’s – he’s a – the President is obviously a confident man. He has an apparatus at his hands that he can try to make things work, and he’s confident enough to – he’s a great dealmaker. He’s accessible; he’s transparent. So in general what he does, he’s confident.
But I can tell people a little bit about this dynamic, and I like that you asked, because a lot of people don’t ask about Africa in certain senses, and certainly the DRC. But Senior Advisor Boulos – for those of you who don’t know, B-o-u-l-o-s – he traveled along with the Deputy Secretary for State of African Affairs Sanders, traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo – of the Congo, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda this month to meet with heads of state and business leaders to advance efforts for a durable peace in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and to promote U.S. private sector investment in the region.
Economic prosperity will not happen without security. We reiterate that there is no military solution to the crisis in the eastern DRC. We want to see a lasting peace in that region, which lays the foundation for a thriving regional economy. And regarding the mineral deal specifically, he met with the president there, Tshisekedi.
QUESTION: Tshisekedi, yes.
MS BRUCE: Okay. Our countries are working on a minerals agreement that will boost U.S. investment in the DRC’s mining sector. And our DRC partners have pledged to facilitate an efficient, transparent, and effective business environment to strengthen our cooperation in this sector and attract U.S. investment that creates jobs and prosperity. We expect that this partnership will involve not only our governments but a range of private sector partners. We are in the process of determining next steps and will have more to announce in the near future.
And as we’ve said when it comes to financial investment funds or otherwise is that when a country has the United States as a partner and private American companies invested in the region, not only is it about jobs and hope for the future, but it also is a signal to the region that there is more strength for that nation.
QUESTION: So he also comment that the United States will fully – I mean, the Trump Administration will fully support the Lobito Corridor project.
MS BRUCE: (Inaudible) yes.
QUESTION: Can you share with us? Because he mentioned also he’s planning to travel to Angola.
MS BRUCE: Well, it’s – I can’t speak on what the – what their president said or what President Trump –
QUESTION: No, he mentioned President – I mean, this administration will fully support –
MS BRUCE: Oh, I’m sure he said that. I don’t doubt that he said that. I’m not a party to what President Trump may or his advisors or envoys may have said or not said. So he said that. It’s not something that I certainly can remark on or confirm.
www.state.gov/briefings/department-press-briefing-april-17-2025
QUESTION: Yes. Thank you. Thank you, Tammy. So today I was watching the briefing with Special Senior Advisor of President Trump Mr. Massad Boulos. He just returned from peace trip to Africa.
MS BRUCE: Yes.
QUESTION: He visit DRC.
MS BRUCE: Yes, he did.
QUESTION: And he shared some of the meetings that he had with some presidents in this region. So I want to hear from you. He mentioned about discussion of these mineral deals between United States and DRC. But the main purpose of – of the main interesting of the DRC is the peace that they are looking for in the region.
MS BRUCE: Yes, of course. It’s what we all want everywhere.
QUESTION: So can you share with us how confident Trump’s Administration is that this time finally there will be peace for Congolese people? Because until today, there is people dying in the region.
MS BRUCE: Well, that’s – he’s a – the President is obviously a confident man. He has an apparatus at his hands that he can try to make things work, and he’s confident enough to – he’s a great dealmaker. He’s accessible; he’s transparent. So in general what he does, he’s confident.
But I can tell people a little bit about this dynamic, and I like that you asked, because a lot of people don’t ask about Africa in certain senses, and certainly the DRC. But Senior Advisor Boulos – for those of you who don’t know, B-o-u-l-o-s – he traveled along with the Deputy Secretary for State of African Affairs Sanders, traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo – of the Congo, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda this month to meet with heads of state and business leaders to advance efforts for a durable peace in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and to promote U.S. private sector investment in the region.
Economic prosperity will not happen without security. We reiterate that there is no military solution to the crisis in the eastern DRC. We want to see a lasting peace in that region, which lays the foundation for a thriving regional economy. And regarding the mineral deal specifically, he met with the president there, Tshisekedi.
QUESTION: Tshisekedi, yes.
MS BRUCE: Okay. Our countries are working on a minerals agreement that will boost U.S. investment in the DRC’s mining sector. And our DRC partners have pledged to facilitate an efficient, transparent, and effective business environment to strengthen our cooperation in this sector and attract U.S. investment that creates jobs and prosperity. We expect that this partnership will involve not only our governments but a range of private sector partners. We are in the process of determining next steps and will have more to announce in the near future.
And as we’ve said when it comes to financial investment funds or otherwise is that when a country has the United States as a partner and private American companies invested in the region, not only is it about jobs and hope for the future, but it also is a signal to the region that there is more strength for that nation.
QUESTION: So he also comment that the United States will fully – I mean, the Trump Administration will fully support the Lobito Corridor project.
MS BRUCE: (Inaudible) yes.
QUESTION: Can you share with us? Because he mentioned also he’s planning to travel to Angola.
MS BRUCE: Well, it’s – I can’t speak on what the – what their president said or what President Trump –
QUESTION: No, he mentioned President – I mean, this administration will fully support –
MS BRUCE: Oh, I’m sure he said that. I don’t doubt that he said that. I’m not a party to what President Trump may or his advisors or envoys may have said or not said. So he said that. It’s not something that I certainly can remark on or confirm.
Time is running out for Felix not only with Kabila returning and waiting for an opportunity .
But also ICC 40 days which will expose further corruption and also his supposedly frozen assets.
Needs to get specific minerals and rights to infrastructure signed off urgently to USA for security protection against M23 .
Otherwise Kabila with M23 will be running the DRC.
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