Introduction
The China-Africa Cooperation Forum summit held in Beijing has recently garnered attention from various quarters in Africa. In a series of articles published in the China Daily, African leaders and experts have highlighted the fruitful achievements and bright prospects of China-Africa cooperation.
Fruitful Achievements in Trade and Agriculture
One of the most significant achievements of China-Africa cooperation has been in the trade and agriculture sectors. The China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo have played a pivotal role in fostering this collaboration. For instance, the first CIIE in 2018 saw Kenya’s frozen avocado making its debut, attracting widespread attention. In November 2021, during the 8th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China announced the establishment of a green channel for African agricultural products to enter the Chinese market. In August 2022, Kenya’s fresh avocado officially entered the Chinese market, with 30% of Kenya’s avocado exports heading to China. This trade has significantly increased Kenya’s foreign exchange earnings and improved the income of farmers.
Similarly, Benin’s fresh pineapple, known as the sweet bread of Africa, was introduced to the Chinese market for the first time at the 6th CIIE, where it was warmly welcomed by Chinese consumers. In 2023, China’s import of fruits reached 16.85 billion USD, a 15% increase from the previous year. This growing demand for fruits has greatly benefited African countries.
Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation
Infrastructure development has been another area where China-Africa cooperation has yielded significant results. The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has undertaken the construction of four terminal projects in Nigeria, with the Lagos International Airport Terminal 1 project being completed and opened on March 22, 2022. In addition, the two light rail lines constructed by this Chinese company in Lagos were completed in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
The fruitful economic cooperation between China and Nigeria serves as a microcosm of the thriving China-Africa economic relationship. This collaboration has also been evident in other African countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In recent years, China and the DRC have deepened cooperation in various fields, including mining, infrastructure, electricity, healthcare, and youth training. The construction of power plants, hydroelectric power stations, and industrial projects has significantly promoted the industrial development of the DRC. In the first half of 2024, trade between the two countries reached 12.34 billion USD, making the DRC one of China’s main investment destinations in Africa.
Conclusion
The China-Africa Cooperation Forum summit has not only set the direction for future cooperation but has also contributed to the well-being of African people. The partnership between China and Africa has proven to be robust and dynamic, with both sides reaping the benefits of their fruitful cooperation. As the two regions continue to deepen their economic, political, and cultural ties, the prospects for a more prosperous and interconnected future look promising.
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