Celebrating the growing cooperation between China and Africa

The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is about to debut on Sept 4. As an African student currently studying in China, I, like most of my peers, are filled with pride and hope as I reflect on the remarkable and ever-growing partnership between China and Africa in the past years and the future.

Education: A cornerstone of China-Africa relations

One of the most significant areas of collaboration has been education. I'm honored to be one of the thousands of beneficiaries of this cooperation. At the 2018 FOCAC Summit, China announced 50,000 scholarships specifically for African students. This substantial commitment has enabled many young Africans to pursue higher education in China, creating opportunities for personal and professional growth. In addition to these scholarships, numerous training programs have been established to support public and private sector employees across Africa, enhancing skills and building capacity for future development.

China's support for Africa is evident in its long-standing relationship with my home country, Comoros. China was among the first countries to recognize Comoros as an independent state in 1975. Since then, the relationship between our two nations has continuously strengthened, with China providing support in nearly every sector.

In the education sector, Comoran students have greatly benefited from China's increasing number of scholarships. The establishment of the Confucius Institute in Comoros has made Chinese language education accessible to my country's students. Some of these students have been awarded scholarships to study in China, further improving their language skills and cultural understanding.

During the 2018 FOCAC Summit, His Excellency Azali Assoumani, the President of Comoros, visited Tianjin University, the first modern university in China and one of the most prestigious higher institutions in the country. During his visit, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the university and the Embassy of the Union of Comoros to the People's Republic of China. This agreement provided scholarships to Comoran students for the past five years. I am honored to be one of those students, currently pursuing my master's degree at Tianjin University.

My experience in China has been transformative. Beyond my major courses, I have had the privilege of participating in various training programs, enhancing both my language skills and cultural understanding. My teachers have been incredibly supportive, helping me develop an open mind in various sectors. Studying in China has made me feel at home, reinforcing the strong bond between our nations.

Economic cooperation: A growing investment in Comoros

This summer, I joined a research group organized by Tianjin University's School of International Education. Along with seven other students from various countries, I visited Yiwu city in Zhejiang Province. Yiwu is the world's largest distribution center for small commodities, recognized by international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank as the largest market globally. It has been designated as one of China's first national pilot areas for new urbanization.

During the visit, I was particularly interested in the significant role e-commerce plays in facilitating cross-border trade and supporting rural development. These are valuable experiences and practices that many African countries can learn from and apply to promote business with the outside world. Hopefully, in the future, more African goods and products will enter Chinese markets.

China's economic partnership with Africa, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has brought substantial benefits to African nations. The assistance fund announced during the 2018 FOCAC Summit included a $60 billion aid package. This financial support has enabled numerous development projects across the continent, including in Comoros.

Chinese companies are playing a crucial role in Comoros' economic development, investing in key sectors such as infrastructure, tourism, energy, and technology. For example, Huawei is a vital partner of Comores Telecom, supplying the majority of the materials needed for internet infrastructure and providing advanced technology training to local engineers and technicians. Huawei has also created jobs for many local employees, contributing to the growth of our telecommunications sector.

Another significant player is SGIAC (Société du Groupe d'Investissement de l'Archipel des Comores), a Chinese company investing in diverse sectors. SGIAC has established a tobacco factory on the island of Anjouan, employing over 120 people. The company has also purchased and is renovating the Al Amal Hotel in Anjouan, intending to transform it into a five-star hotel. Additionally, SGIAC has ambitious plans to build a five-star hotel compound on Grande Comore, scheduled to be completed by 2027 in time for the Indian Ocean Island Games. The company also operates a sand and gravel yard, employing more than 50 workers.

China Geo-Construction (CGC) is another example of a Chinese company making a positive impact in Comoros. CGC is involved in road construction, building infrastructure, and water supply projects, providing essential services that contribute to the country's development.

These are just a few examples of the many Chinese companies that are investing in Comoros, demonstrating the extensive Chinese involvement in our economy. The Chinese government, through the FOCAC assistance program, has provided funds for the construction of crucial infrastructure projects in Comoros, such as the Malouzini Stadium and the Fomboni-Nyoumachoua road in Moheli. Currently, China is assisting Comoros in the construction of a gymnasium in preparation for the 2027 Indian Ocean Island Games, which will be hosted by Comoros.

Vision: A bright future for China-Africa cooperation

The cooperation between China and Africa has always been strong, and Comoros serves as evidence of the positive impact of this partnership. As we look forward to FOCAC 2024, I have full confidence that our collaboration will continue to grow, bringing even greater mutual benefits to both China and Africa. Together, we are building a future of shared prosperity, cultural exchange, and mutual respect.

Mroivili Faouzia from Comoros is currently a graduate student pursuing her master's degree at Tianjin University in the northern port city of Tianjin, China. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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