China-Africa economic ties reach new highs – official

China has underscored its deepening economic and trade cooperation with Africa since the 2021 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), according to Assistant Minister of Commerce Tang Wenhong.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Tang highlighted the progress made under the nine cooperation programmes outlined at the 8th FOCAC Ministerial Conference.

These programmes cover a wide range of areas, including healthcare, poverty reduction, agriculture, trade, investment, digital innovation, and environmental sustainability.

Tang emphasised that trade and investment, as well as poverty reduction and agricultural initiatives, have been key drivers of the growing economic partnership.

China has maintained its position as Africa’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. Tang cited major infrastructure projects such as the Lekki port in Nigeria and the Nairobi expressway in Kenya as examples of successful cooperation.

Additionally, China has provided significant agricultural support, including sending over 500 experts to Africa and training nearly 9,000 agricultural professionals.

In the realm of green development and digital innovation, Chinese companies have invested in numerous clean energy projects across Africa, while exports of lithium batteries and solar products to the continent have surged.

Looking ahead, Tang announced that China and Africa will further strengthen their partnership at the upcoming FOCAC 2024 Summit in Beijing from September 4 to 6.

China is committed to expanding market access for African products and deepening cooperation in industrial and supply chains to promote shared prosperity.

Attribution: Xinhua

Subediting: Y.Yasser