Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe on Friday disclosed the vision of his country to become the "anchor point" in West Africa for the new Silk Road initiative forwarded by China.

"Togo intends to be the anchor point in West Africa for the New Silk Road initiative supported by China and which is based on ties between countries through land and maritime infrastructures," Gnassingbe said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Lome shortly before his departure for a state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Gnassingbe is taking with him a delegation of 30 economic operators who will participate in an economic forum dedicated to Togo.

The Belt and Road Initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, is aimed at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes.

The Togolese head of state noted that China is committed to aiding African countries in their economic structural changes. In this regard, he underscored that Togo "possess many advantages to serve as a gateway" for West Africa.

"We are from now on at a turning point that will be crucial if the private sector actually takes action. The onus is on us governments to know how to accompany it and gain their merited confidence," he explained.

He said his country strongly wishes to enjoy, like during the last decade, an enhanced support from China on infrastructure, especially on roads, railways, ports and airports.

Gnassingbe considered this "a necessary condition" that will enable Togo to develop a logistics corridor that will help improve the competitiveness of its economy and make it the logistics hub for West Africa.

(Xinhua News Agency May 28, 2016)