Global Arab Network reports from the World Economic Forum on Africa, currently underway in Dar Es Salaam, on the changing relationship between China and African countries:
Research shows that Africa’s growth is tracking that of China’s. Chinese demand – either real or perceived – and relatively buoyant commodity prices are underpinning growth in sub-Saharan Africa. Part of China’s growth will depend on Africa’s ability to supply commodities. As a result, China and Africa’s relationship is changing from one where contracts were drafted and signed by African leaders to a true partnership, reflecting a strategic relationship in which Africa is increasingly engaged.
“We have to understand China’s priorities and use them to our advantage. Structuring mutually beneficial economic relations is what it is about. It is in the interest of both parties to move forward,” added Davies.
As Africa seeks to position its economies within today’s changing competitive landscape, there is a need for increased trilateral cooperation, integrating the interests of China and the Western world in Africa. “There is a possibility for an alignment of these new emerging interests,” said Liu Guijin, Special Representative, African Affairs, People’s Republic of China. “We have different priorities in policy design and different approaches in engaging the African continent. But we have to ensure that cooperation would be a win-win trilateral process that will bring the advantages of the Chinese way of doing things together with the advantages of Western donors so that all African countries will equally benefit.”
