Sino-African Ties Dissected at Iric

Relations between China and Africa have been described as fruitful. In effect, the Chinese Ambassador to Cameroon, Xue Jinwei says China and Africa are good friends, partners and "in-law".

Xue Jinwei was speaking in a public lecture at the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (IRIC), May 29, on the occasion of week-long activities marking Africa Day that was celebrated on May 25. Chaired by the Minister Delegate at the Ministry of External Relations in charge of Relations with the Commonwealth, Joseph Dion Ngute, the lecture was organised by the African Group of the Yaounde Diplomatic Club. The group at the ceremony was led by its Secretary General who also doubles as the Ambassador of Algeria to Cameroon, Milat Toufik.

Trade exchanges between the continent and China moved from 10 billion US dollars (about FCFA 5, 270 billion) in 2001 to 160 billion US dollars (about FCFA 84, 324 billion) in 2011. In Cameroon alone, the volume of trade between both countries stood at 1.5 billion US dollars (above FCFA 790 billion) in 2011 down from 100 million US dollars (FCFA 52,726 billion) in 2001. Direct investment between China and Africa also witnessed a boom with the former granting 28-less-developed African countries zero customs charges for some 4762 category of goods. The continent is host to over 2000 Chinese enterprises and occupies the fourth position as destination to Chinese tourists. These revelations, made by Xue Jinwei at IRIC were to confirm that ties between his country and the continent are growing from strength to strength. The Chinese diplomat, who focused on the framework of South-South cooperation between China and Africa, pointed out that relations since the 2006 Beijing conference have witnessed considerable progress in all spheres be it political, economic, social or cultural. He however, announced that the fifth Sino-Africa conference will hold in July this year where both friendly partners will review relations and look at other areas of cooperation that will give the continent a leap forward as far as development is concerned. He said it has been a tradition for over 20 years for the Chinese Foreign Minister to visit Africa at the very beginning of the year to strengthen ties.

But why is it that acquiring a visa to China remains a jicksaw puzzle? And why is it that Chinese companies carrying out giant projects in Cameroon come along with their engineers whereas there are Cameroonians apt and that can tap from their experiences? And above all, what does China gain from Africa, establishing such fruitful ties? Questions that appeared embarrassing but Xue Jinwei was seemingly prepared for all. He explained that China as every other country has its rules on visa delivery and that enterprises come with frontline engineers not because they doubt the capability of Cameroonians but because they want them to share knowledge in the course of working together. Xue Jinwei said African countries also export goods to his country as well as they do to the continent.