China-Africa Relations: the continent's finest in the Middle Kingdom

Jin Hua, China.

An African delegation of about 26 intellectuals, scientific researchers, professors, media executives or representatives, as well as official authorities from relevant organizations – of both the public and the private sectors across the continent, have arrived to the city of Jin Hua on May 19th, to attend a two-weeks´ seminar on the Modernization of China and the Development of Africa.

They are representatives of Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Mauritius, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Chad, Togo, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe.

Commended by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and organized by Zhejiang Normal University, the seminar combines face-to-face participation with field experience, and comprises – amongst others: the 12th session of the China-Africa Think Tank Forum and guided tours.

The seminar aims at reviewing and reflecting upon the development of China and that of Africa in the past century, the mutual exchange between both parties over the years, and common expectations for the future. Its objectives are to also enlighten participants on the current situation in China, on China’s Foreign Policy and China-Africa relations, on Chinese Modernization, on the strong resilience and vitality of China’s development, on China’s strategies to be more open and collaborative with the rest of the World.

The participants had a better insight into rural revitalization in China, its economic development and human rights’ development, into reforms and development in African countries, and into strengthening the China-Africa friendship and cooperation.

Africanian News has had access to some of these leaders-participants, including the General Director of Madagascar National Administration School, Marie-Agnés Anona; Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation Journalist and News Anchor, Jaleela Hassennally; the Founder of Dreams Hub Research and Innovation Center, an AfriLabs’ Hub member, from Equatorial Guinea, Oscar Nchaso; and the Director of the Malawian Center for Investigative Journalism, Collins Mtika, who, along with Dr. Houda Hzemi of the Higher Institute of Management of Tunisia, described the event as an excellent opportunity to enhance understanding of the relationship between China and Africa, and through this first-hand experience, be able to further contribute to this relationship.

For Davis Norris, President of the University of Botswana, the Chinese experience shared during the seminar so far, suggests that with attributes such as agility, tenacity, trust, cooperation, focus, good work ethics and visionary leadership, nations can move from the clutches of poverty to the promise of prosperity.

As at this Thursday, May 25th, they have already attended various conferences on Chinese Foreign Policy and Sino-African Relations, had several visits to places of interest, namely: the Center of Biotechnology and Innovation Manufacturer of Biological Vaccines – Mebolo, the Leap Motor Electric Vehicle Factory, and the Jinhua Museum, and visited a rural area; the village of Yantou.

Upon their arrival at Zhejiang Normal University, the guests were received by the Board of the Institution, where they were exposed to typical artistic performances, including that of a chinese song, sung by two Cameroonian students currently studying at the University.

On Wednesday, May 24, to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the Organization of African Unity, they attended the Opening Ceremony of the China-Africa Exchanges Museum at Zhejiang Normal University and the “China-Africa” Gala Night.