DAKAR, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Senegalese Association of Overseas Chinese and Chinese Reunification Promotion Society were inaugurated on Saturday in Dakar.

    Chinese ambassador to Senegal Lu Shaye attended the opening ceremony, saying that over the past ten years since the suspension of diplomatic ties between the two countries, many Chinese nationals and Chinese firms have remained in the West African country to continue their business which have brought tangible benefits to the local people by providing them with high-quality but less costly commodities.

    The Chinese companies have thrived in construction, fishing and communications sectors in Senegal, providing job opportunities for the locals, increasing the Senegalese government's revenues and boosting the local economy.

    Following the resumption of diplomatic ties, bilateral exchanges in politics, culture, health, education and trade have also completely resumed. Coming with is an influx of Chinese firms came to Senegal, which makes it necessary to set up an organization to enhance communication between the Chinese in Senegal and between the Chinese and local people, he added.

    The ambassador said he hoped the association could play an important role in boosting the solidarity between the Chinese in Senegal, safeguarding their rights and interests, as well as developing the Sino-Senegalese relations and promoting China's reunification.

    Fifty overseas Chinese in Senegal and representatives from Chinese enterprises attended the ceremony.