WINDHOEK – “The time has come for us to give practical meaning to the concept of South-South cooperation through the strengthening of economic and business ties between China and Africa. The continent of Africa is very rich in minerals and other natural resources, which can be used to expand and transform the economies of African countries into industrialized economies. China-Africa cooperation should therefore be used to create partnerships between Chinese and African businesses aimed at adding value to African natural resources in Africa and creating employment opportunities on the continent,” said Founding President of Namibia, Dr Sam Nujoma at the 4th Roundtable Conference on China-Africa Cooperation in Hainan Province, China, earlier this week.
In his speech Nujoma noted that China has become Africa’s largest trading partner and Africa has also become the second-largest market and fourth-largest investment destination for China.
Trade between China and Africa has increased from US$10 billion in 2000 to more than US$160 billion in 2011, and the volume last year is estimated to have exceeded US$200 billion, he noted.
“To further strengthen and promote the growth of China-Africa cooperation in future, we should remain strategic partners and enable closer high-level exchanges and enhance mutual trust based on win-win cooperation.
“In addition, we should further expand and improve trade, scale-up investment and facilitate major cooperation in infrastructure development, communication, agriculture and human resources,” he told the conference, adding that there should also be exploration of cooperation in other areas such as education, science and technology, as well as culture to enrich the content of the comprehensive strategic partnership. Nujoma was accompanied by the president of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) Martha Namudjembo Tilahun, NCCI Chief Executive Officer Tarah Shaanika, and various other Namibian business personalities.
By Staff Reporter