Sino-African cooperation eyes more benefits

Job opportunities

China-Africa cooperation in trade and investment has helped to create a booming job market in Africa.

Since 2017, China's imports in services from Africa have been growing at an average annual rate of 20 percent, creating close to 400,000 jobs for the continent every year, said a white paper titled "China and Africa in the New Era: A Partnership of Equals" released by China in November 2021.

Chinese private companies have become the main investment force in Africa. With more than 80 percent of their employees being locals, they have created millions of jobs. By the end of 2020, China had established over 3,500 companies across Africa.

Increased investment and upgraded infrastructure drive the growth of various industries, naturally generating more jobs. For example, regarding a 56.5-km asphalt road recently completed by China Communications Construction Company in Ethiopia's Oromia region, the local government said it believes the road will not only facilitate the transport of agricultural products, but more importantly, unleash the potential of tourism, a catalyst for job growth and economic prosperity.

Not coincidentally, the 1,344-km Benguela Railway constructed by China Railway 20 Bureau Group Corp in Angola has delivered win-win outcomes. Chinese enterprises have provided technology, experience and standards to Africa, while local employees have acquired jobs, skill training and higher incomes, said Zhu Qihui, chairman of the board of the Chinese group's subsidiary in Angola.

The above-mentioned Mombasa-Nairobi railway has also created 46,000 direct and indirect jobs for local communities.

Sustainable growth

On top of the impressive achievements made through their cooperation in past decades, China is continuing to play a key role in fast-tracking Africa's development and lending support to the sustainable development of the continent.

China had been Africa's largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years by the end of 2021. China has promised to provide zero-tariff treatment on 98 percent of taxable items originating in the least-developed countries, including Togo, Djibouti and Rwanda, and has become Africa's second-largest agricultural export destination.

"The biggest feature of China-Africa cooperation is mutual benefit and common development," said Ren, the Chinese ambassador, adding China welcomes Africa to take the express train of China's development and share its benefits.

In these turbulent and changing times, observers are still optimistic that flourishing China-Africa cooperation will withstand the test of time and bring more mutual benefits for both sides through synergy between their development plans.

"As for China's solutions to global issues, I'm impressed most by the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative. They are in line with current international calls and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and are also significant to the African continent," said David Monyae, director of the Center for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa.

Xinhua