Latest news with #FOCAC
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
China-Nigeria partnership paves way for Africa's economic growth
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has said that the partnership between China and Nigeria is positioning the West African nation as a critical economic gateway for Africa. Speaking at a seminar on Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Achieve the Ten Partnership Actions in an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future, Ambassador Yu stated that significant progress has been made in implementing the 'Ten Partnership Actions' since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) last September. The 'Ten Partnership Actions' encompass cooperation across ten critical domains, including cultural exchange, trade facilitation, industrial chain integration, infrastructure connectivity, sustainable development, public health, agricultural advancement, people-to-people bonds, green economy transition, and security cooperation. These initiatives aim to catalyse the cause of China-Africa modernisation and elevate the China-Africa community with a shared future to new heights. The Chinese government has announced measures to expand its openness and collaboration with Africa, including extending zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines to all 53 African countries with diplomatic relations, enhancing access to exports from Africa's Least Developed Countries, and promoting cooperation in green industries, e-commerce, and payment systems. 'When the 2.8 billion-plus people in China and Africa unite in purpose and stride forward hand in hand, we will achieve glory on our paths toward modernisation,' Ambassador Yu said. The partnership between China and Nigeria has elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. As two major developing countries, their relationship now transcends bilateral dimensions and is gaining growing global significance. Ambassador Yu also said China stands ready to work hand in hand with Nigeria, support each other through thick and thin, jointly advance the 'Ten Partnership Actions' for China-Africa cooperation in modernisation, and implement the initiatives of the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of FOCAC. 'Together, through our joint efforts, we will surely write a new chapter of the China-Nigeria Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,' he concluded. Also speaking, the Director-General/Global Liaison of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, disclosed that the level of partnership with China is positioning Nigeria as the critical economic gateway for Africa. He said, 'After FOCAC 2024, Nigeria and the People's Republic of China elevated their partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This marks the beginning of a dispensation where we are determined to work better and closer with the People's Republic of China. 'It marks a period when we are no longer satisfied with maintaining mere relationships; but strive to build robust development partnerships that are based on mutual trust and respect, shared ambition, and collaborative efforts.' According to him, 'It signals our government's serious intent to not only sustain but to deepen bilateral cooperation in ways that are systematic, accountable and aligned with Nigeria's long-term development agenda.' The DG noted that the broad aim of his office is to strengthen bilateral relations through trade, investment, infrastructure development, technology transfer, and capacity building. 'This partnership aligns with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and seeks to position Nigeria as a critical hub in Africa, fostering long-term sustainable development and economic growth. 'Drive Nigeria's socio-economic growth by leveraging China's advanced technology, expertise in infrastructure, and capacity for investment. Align with Nigeria's national development priorities, such as the Renewed Hope Agenda, to the BRI.' He outlined that the Partnership for Trade Prosperity reflects China's commitment to zero-tariff access for least-developed countries, including 53 African states. 'This is an unprecedented gesture by a major economic power and positions Nigeria to exploit China's vast consumer market, especially in agriculture, manufacturing and digital trade.' 'This action was implemented about a week ago by the Government of China, which removed tariffs on exports from 53 African countries, including Nigeria. Our strategy is to leverage this opportunity in our drive to become a net exporter to China like Brazil.' Earlier, the Director of the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, said China and Africa have rejected colonialism, imperialism, and subjugation of any kind by colonial forces that drained Africa of resources, seized its human potential, and ensured the continent's dependency and underdevelopment. 'Today, Africa is coming out of the gloomy days. In its cooperation with China, Africa is, for the first time, assured of the beacon of true modernisation and development through: first, building mutual trust, mutual assistance, mutual learning, exchanges and common development. 'This rapid mutual chemistry and mutual assistance caught the attention of the international community, which marked the surfacing of China in global governance, poverty reduction, industrialisation, the path to modernisation and investment in African development.' He maintained that China accorded $5 billion in 2006 to African countries, $10 billion in 2009, $20 billion in 2012, $60 billion in 2015, $60 billion in 2018, $40 billion in 2021, and $50.7 billion in 2024. 'These funds are for investment, aid, credit lines and ultimately for African modernisation, growth and development. Chinese President Xi Jinping, in September 2024, stated that China stands ready to work with Africa to implement the Ten Partnership Action Plans and to jointly advance modernisation.' President Xi believes that: 'One-third of the world's population lives in China and Africa, and there will be no global modernisation without the modernisation of China and Africa.' 'The Ten Partnership Action Plans, to be implemented over the next three years, cover the areas of mutual learning among civilisations, trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, connectivity, development cooperation, health, agriculture and livelihoods, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, green development, and common security. 'The 2024 FOCAC summit focused on these ten partnership actions for modernisation, aiming to build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future,' he said. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
2 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Ambassador Yin Chengwu met with Liberian House Representatives
On June 25th , Yin Chengwu, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, met with Hon. Nehker Gaye, Chairman of House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Gizzie Kollince, Chairman of House Committee on National Security, and Hon. Samson Wiah, Co-Chairman of House Committee on Maritime Affairs. The two sides exchanged views on China-Liberia relations and legislative cooperation between the two countries. Yin briefed on the relevant situation of the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, and expressed that China is willing to work with Liberia to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two countries' legislative bodies and promote the continuous development of the strategic partnership between the two countries. The Representatives said that Liberian House of Representatives regards China as an important international partner and will firmly adhere to the one-China principle, actively promote exchanges and cooperation between the Legislature of Liberia and the National People's Congress of China on legislation and governance, and promote the continued development of bilateral relations. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Liberia.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Building bridges in uncertain global times: China-Africa to consolidate historical cooperation
Research Associate Gideon H Chitanga. Image: Supplied While other major powers are closing their borders to immigrants, including students and academics who seek academic and professional development opportunities, China and Africa will broaden people-to-people exchanges in 2016 to consolidate strong economic and diplomatic cooperation. Polarising global conflicts and economic instability fuelled by protectionist walls threaten to derail historical socio-economic gains of the previous century towards shared modernisation and development. However, deepened contacts amongst diverse cultures and civilisations could bridge polarisation, build bridges towards a more peaceful, stable global community, with mutually shared prosperity. During the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, President Xi Jinping stated that the 'foundation and lifeline of China-Africa relations lie with the people. Therefore, the development of our relations should be more people-oriented.' He further said that the two sides (Africa and China) agreed to designate 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Accordingly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China has unveiled a concept paper enunciating a major thrust towards consolidating people-to-people diplomacy with Africa. The China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges will bring together African and Chinese youths and women, paving the way for intercultural learning to foster mutually shared awareness and cooperation. This will allow the mostly marginalised groups to develop relationships and trust at personal and societal levels, promoting peace, cultural diffusion, mutual respect and understanding, which contributes to stronger mutually beneficial international cooperation and development. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The initiative is anchored on key pillars such as young leaders, Culture kaleidoscope, Livelihood Boosters, Symphony of ideas and Talent Incubators. Participants in a wide range of planned activities will be drawn from youths, women, the media and think tanks. The involved parties will engage in a wide range of activities that involve diverse communities and sectors, focusing on education, culture, tourism, publishing, sports, science and technology, people's livelihood, and green development. Chinese and African youths will attend such events as the China-Africa Youth Festival, the China-Africa Youth Culture Forum, the China-Africa Future Leaders' Dialogue, and the China-Africa Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. The initiative will culminate in the establishment of the China-Africa Youth Space Alliance, and increased visits by young African political party leaders and government officials to China for study trips and multilateral exchanges. The youths will also participate in the seminar on Poverty Reduction and Development for African Officials, paving the way for cooperative facilitation of city-to-city youth and women cooperation. The involvement of young people with the FOCAC Poverty Reduction and Development Conference will position them as major drivers of the '100 Medical Teams in 1,000 Villages' programme. The initiative further catalyses the cooperation of young people and women in health, poverty reduction, public welfare, livelihoods, and the well-being of people with disabilities as drivers of mutual understanding, peace and development. It utilises diverse cultural experiences, tourism, film and television, publishing, sports, tech- internet mediated social entrepreneurship, academic and intellectual gestation amongst other spheres to promote mutual development, understanding and appreciation between Africa and China. African youths will be able to learn from the historical modernisation and governance of China, which has continued as the fastest-growing major economy for decades. China has achieved a remarkable feat in poverty reduction over the past four decades, lifting about 800 million people out of extreme poverty, representing roughly three-quarters of the global reduction in extreme poverty. Beijing, whose success is attributed to a combination of economic growth, targeted poverty alleviation programmes, and social safety nets, could provide crucial skills to African youths through knowledge sharing, opening employment opportunities and raising incomes on the continent. Africa faces the highest extreme poverty rates globally, with 23 of the world's 28 poorest countries on the continent facing extreme poverty rates above 30%. High unemployment rates have driven women and youth to the margins of the national and global economy. While Africa has abundant natural resources, the continent lags at the margins of tech-driven innovation and sluggish economic growth and development. China is leading rapid technological innovation across various sectors, such as AI, electric vehicles, aerospace, and green technologies. Beijing has made significant investments in research and development, focusing on strategic emerging industries with a strong emphasis on integrating technology into daily life and business operations. The China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges will channel talent resources utilising tech incubation to drive modernisation through strengthening exchanges and cooperation in education, vocational training, women's empowerment, ICT and AI technologies. With the help of governments and supportive private sectors, African youths could translate their appetite for consumption of new technological products, which accounts for a booming tech market on the continent, to learning new soft skills, which could turn them into producers of new technologies, and tech-driven products and services. Seminars on Chinese Modernization and African Development, the China-Africa Friendship Organization Leaders Meeting whose delegates will be drawn from the African Union's Economic, Social and Cultural Council will provide important platforms for exchanges of ideas, and foster synergies with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a free trade area formed by the African Union (AU) to create a single market for goods and services across the continent. At a time when neo-liberal capitalism is in deep crisis, Beijing has entered the golden age of innovation as a global leader in the development of quantum computing, high speed trains, 5G technology, solar Energy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), E-commerce, space programmes, mass transportation networks, blockchain technology and facial recognition technology.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Xi Jinping looks to Africa
During his first term as US president, Donald Trump is remembered for having described African countries in a very derogatory manner. During his current second term in the White House, Trump's legacy has been underscored by much more quagmire – further disregard for global trade treaties and diplomatic relations. Trump has not only squeezed poor and developing nations, through ending American donor funding of good causes in the sphere of health and research, he has punished Africa with stringent trade tariffs – an act of desperation to earn respect. Amid all the Trump madness, Africa is rejoicing at a positive outcome of another quiet revolution is taking place – led by China in its quest to reposition Africa's economy. Chinese President Xi Jinping has recently announced a zero-tariff regime to benefit all 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with the world's second largest economy – a development sending a sobering message to Trump on how best to treat Africa. Presidents Xi and his Republic of Congo counterpart Denis Sassou Nguesso, respectively sent congratulatory letters to the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) - extending warm congratulations to the convening of the meeting. Xi pointed out that since its establishment 25 years ago, the FOCAC has strongly driven the flourishing development of China-Africa cooperation – becoming a model for solidarity and cooperation in the Global South. Xi recalled that in September last year, at the FOCAC Beijing Summit, he and African leaders unanimously agreed to jointly advance modernisation that is just and equitable, open, a win-win and an eco-friendly development. Underpinning Xi's message is putting people first - featuring diversity and inclusiveness. This, said Xi, was based on peace and security - taking 10 partnership actions, steering China-Africa relations into a new stage of building an all-weather China-Africa community, with a shared future for the new era. The concerted efforts of both sides, with the implementation of the outcomes of the Summit, having already yielded several encouraging results. Much more is awaited. The two sides have also reached a consensus on organising the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges in 2026, with Xi having expressed the belief that this would inject new vitality into China-Africa friendly cooperation. In his congratulatory letter, Sassou Nguesso said that since the convening of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, Africa-China strategic and practical cooperation, has yielded fruitful results. The Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators has coincided with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the FOCAC. Sassou Nguesso pledged to make all-out efforts and work unwaveringly with Xi to make greater progress in building an Africa-China community, with a shared future – enhancing the well-being of people on both sides. As the African co-chair of the FOCAC, the Republic of the Congo has pledged to work with China and other Global South countries, strengthening: cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Jointly building a multipolar world - free from unilateralism and protectionism. Ushering a new era of universally beneficial and inclusive globalization. 'We agree that the rise and growth of the Global South, represents the trend of the times and the future of development. China and Africa are both important members of and staunch forces in the Global South. We call on all countries, especially countries in the Global South, to work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. We commend the initiative of jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era for its positive significance in safeguarding solidarity and cooperation of the Global South and defending multilateralism,' read part of the China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South. Added the declaration: We agree that the frequent occurrence of unilateralism, protectionism and economic, bullying has created severe difficulties for the economic and social development and the improvement of livelihood in African countries and other developing countries. This is a pressing challenge that members of the Global South including China and African countries must address.' Nguesso said. This is commendable indeed – a lesson for Trump and his allies, on building lasting cooperation, healthy trade relations and forging world peace.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Xi Jinping looks to Africa
During his first term as US president, Donald Trump is remembered for having described African countries in a very derogatory manner. During his current second term in the White House, Trump's legacy has been underscored by much more quagmire – further disregard for global trade treaties and diplomatic relations. Trump has not only squeezed poor and developing nations, through ending American donor funding of good causes in the sphere of health and research, he has punished Africa with stringent trade tariffs – an act of desperation to earn respect. Amid all the Trump madness, Africa is rejoicing at a positive outcome of another quiet revolution is taking place – led by China in its quest to reposition Africa's economy. Chinese President Xi Jinping has recently announced a zero-tariff regime to benefit all 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with the world's second largest economy – a development sending a sobering message to Trump on how best to treat Africa. Presidents Xi and his Republic of Congo counterpart Denis Sassou Nguesso, respectively sent congratulatory letters to the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) - extending warm congratulations to the convening of the meeting. Xi pointed out that since its establishment 25 years ago, the FOCAC has strongly driven the flourishing development of China-Africa cooperation – becoming a model for solidarity and cooperation in the Global South. Xi recalled that in September last year, at the FOCAC Beijing Summit, he and African leaders unanimously agreed to jointly advance modernisation that is just and equitable, open, a win-win and an eco-friendly development. Underpinning Xi's message is putting people first - featuring diversity and inclusiveness. This, said Xi, was based on peace and security - taking 10 partnership actions, steering China-Africa relations into a new stage of building an all-weather China-Africa community, with a shared future for the new era. The concerted efforts of both sides, with the implementation of the outcomes of the Summit, having already yielded several encouraging results. Much more is awaited. The two sides have also reached a consensus on organising the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges in 2026, with Xi having expressed the belief that this would inject new vitality into China-Africa friendly cooperation. In his congratulatory letter, Sassou Nguesso said that since the convening of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, Africa-China strategic and practical cooperation, has yielded fruitful results. The Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators has coincided with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the FOCAC. Sassou Nguesso pledged to make all-out efforts and work unwaveringly with Xi to make greater progress in building an Africa-China community, with a shared future – enhancing the well-being of people on both sides. As the African co-chair of the FOCAC, the Republic of the Congo has pledged to work with China and other Global South countries, strengthening: cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Jointly building a multipolar world - free from unilateralism and protectionism. Ushering a new era of universally beneficial and inclusive globalization. 'We agree that the rise and growth of the Global South, represents the trend of the times and the future of development. China and Africa are both important members of and staunch forces in the Global South. We call on all countries, especially countries in the Global South, to work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. We commend the initiative of jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era for its positive significance in safeguarding solidarity and cooperation of the Global South and defending multilateralism,' read part of the China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South. Added the declaration: We agree that the frequent occurrence of unilateralism, protectionism and economic, bullying has created severe difficulties for the economic and social development and the improvement of livelihood in African countries and other developing countries. This is a pressing challenge that members of the Global South including China and African countries must address.' Nguesso said. This is commendable indeed – a lesson for Trump and his allies, on building lasting cooperation, healthy trade relations and forging world peace.
