The story of China’s progress can be traced from the days of abject poverty to times of comfort, accomplishment and affluence. Yet it is not something that took place overnight. The long winding road down this economic path has many lessons for others to learn from. One such country that could well benefit from the Chinese experience is Africa, with its millions suffering with the curse of poverty.
China’s lessons on poverty alleviation were recently discussed at a seminar held at Beijing that was attended by diplomats from Africa among other delegates. The Vice President of the International Poverty Reduction center in China or the IPRCC, Huang Chengwei, stated that China would be happy to share its measures to reduce poverty with Africa. Africa is reeling under the impact of the global financial crisis, and the China Africa Cooperation has been helpful in reducing the number of poverty stricken Africans.
China believed in helping its people develop skills rather than ask for aid and financial assistance, and it was these skills that made people get employment and improve their lot. Similarly in Africa also, China is setting up projects that will give employment to the local Africans and help them earn rather than provide food and clothing alone. Other measures being taken as part of Sino-African cooperation is the development of infrastructure facilities, education and medical facilities, improving quality more than quantity of production and also assist in agricultural improvement. China has been instrumental in developing and improving the existing mining facilities in the resource rich African countries. The African countries to benefit include, Nigeria, Angola, Kenya, Sudan, Congo, South Africa to name just a few.
Trade between China and Africa has continued to grow despite the recession and has already crossed the $108 billion mark last year. China has been exporting cheap manufactured goods to the vast African markets besides machinery and equipment, industrial goods and gadgets. In exchange it has been importing minerals and oil from Africa. The China-Africa bonds have consistently strengthened and grown, and there is a steady flow of tourists as well from both sides.
Source : Manufacturers Africa
