China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Reaching New Heights
The press conference on the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in the Chinese capital of Beijing, August 20, 2024. /CFP
China-Africa economic and trade cooperation has continued to scale new heights since the 2021 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), delivering tangible benefits to the people of both China and Africa, Assistant Minister of Commerce Tang Wenhong said on Tuesday.
“In 2021, the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the FOCAC was held successfully. At the opening ceremony, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China and Africa had jointly prepared the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035. Under the first three-year plan of this Vision, China will work closely with African countries to implement the nine programs,” Tang said.
Since the conference, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the China International Development Cooperation Agency, together with other members of the Chinese Follow-up Committee of FOCAC, have strengthened coordination and worked closely with Africa to fully implement the nine programs with utmost effort, taking China-Africa trade and economic cooperation to new highs and substantially increasing the well-being of the peoples of both regions, Tang added.
Tang made these remarks at a press conference on the 2024 FOCAC Summit, focusing on economic, trade, and development cooperation, held by China’s State Council Information Office.
Consolidating Cooperation
The nine programs under FOCAC have consolidated China-Africa cooperation in traditional areas, Tang said, noting that with initiatives like trade promotion, investment promotion, and poverty reduction and agricultural development programs, China-Africa trade and investment cooperation has made steady progress.
In 2023, China-Africa trade reached $282.1 billion. China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. A number of infrastructure and manufacturing projects have been implemented, including the Lekki deep sea port in Nigeria, the airport expressway in Nairobi, solar power stations in South Africa, and home appliance factories in Egypt.
“These projects have elevated China-Africa cooperation along industrial and supply chains. Egypt issued Africa’s first panda bond. These efforts have enriched the financing channels for China-Africa trade and economic cooperation. To support Africa’s agricultural modernization, China has sent over 500 agricultural experts to Africa and provided nearly 9,000 training opportunities for agricultural professionals from Africa,” Tang said.
Future Collaborations
The 2024 FOCAC Summit will be held in Beijing from September 4 to 6, when China and Africa will renew their friendship and discuss ways to promote cooperation. China said it will expand institutional opening-up towards Africa and deepen industrial and supply chain cooperation, with a view to promoting China-Africa economic integration, interconnected development, and shared outcomes, reinforcing China-Africa strategic synergy, and making a greater contribution to a stronger China-Africa comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership and a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.
As China and Africa continue to strengthen their economic and trade ties, the benefits are evident across various sectors. For instance, Chinese investments in Africa have led to the development of critical infrastructure projects that enhance connectivity and facilitate trade. The Lekki deep sea port in Nigeria, for example, has significantly boosted the country’s maritime capabilities and trade efficiency. Similarly, the airport expressway in Nairobi has improved transportation networks, supporting economic growth and development in Kenya.
Moreover, Chinese investments have also played a crucial role in promoting industrialization in Africa. The establishment of solar power stations in South Africa has not only contributed to the country’s energy transition but has also created job opportunities and supported sustainable development. Additionally, the construction of home appliance factories in Egypt has helped to meet the growing demand for consumer goods in the region, stimulating economic activity and enhancing living standards.
Enhancing Financial Cooperation
In order to support the financing needs of China-Africa trade and economic cooperation, innovative financial instruments have been introduced. Egypt’s issuance of Africa’s first panda bond marked a significant milestone in expanding financing channels for infrastructure and development projects in the region. The availability of such financial tools not only facilitates investment flows but also promotes financial inclusion and stability, fostering sustainable economic growth in Africa.
Furthermore, to promote agricultural modernization in Africa, China has actively engaged in capacity-building initiatives. By sending over 500 agricultural experts to the continent and providing nearly 9,000 training opportunities for agricultural professionals, China has contributed to enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable farming practices, and ensuring food security in the region. These efforts underline China’s commitment to supporting Africa’s agricultural sector and fostering long-term economic development.
In conclusion, the ongoing collaboration between China and Africa in the economic and trade spheres is yielding significant benefits for both regions. By consolidating cooperation, implementing infrastructure projects, enhancing financial cooperation, and promoting agricultural modernization, China and Africa are not only strengthening their bilateral ties but also contributing to sustainable development and shared prosperity. The 2024 FOCAC Summit presents a valuable opportunity for both sides to reaffirm their commitment to cooperation and explore new avenues for partnership, laying the foundation for a brighter future for China-Africa economic and trade relations.