Economic policy in 2011-21 will be driven by the goal of transforming Gabon into an "emerging" economy able to compete globally for inward foreign direct investment. Achieving this ambitious target will depend largely on the progress of efforts dramatically to accelerate economic growth. To this end, the government will raise investment spending sharply and try to diversify the economy into more value-added activities in order to reduce its dependence on oil, building on policies such as the ban on unprocessed timber exports. However, oil will remain the economy's primary pillar. The government is creating a new state oil firm, Gabon Oil Company, to increase its share of sector revenue and its control of logistics and infrastructure, but addressing concerns about strong labour unions is still a key challenge to encouraging new investment. Another priority will be fighting corruption and waste, building on the purge of "ghost" workers from the public payroll and increasing scrutiny of state spending. Despite an extension to its original Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative deadline, Gabon remains intent on compliance. With the authorities keen to maintain good relations with China and attract investment, a new deal to restart the Bélinga iron ore project can be expected.