Africa-Press – Ethiopia. The Mission of China to the African Union and the African Union Staff Association co-hosted a policy briefing on China’s economy and trade cooperation with Africa today.
The event aimed to deepen mutual understanding and explore more opportunities for shared development between China and Africa.
In his remarks, Hu Changchun, Head of Mission of China to the African Union and Representative of UNECA, highlighted China’s longstanding partnership with Africa.
He stated that China has been Africa’s top trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with trade volume reaching over 219.5 billion USD in 2024, a 6 percent increase from the previous year.
“Trade facilitation policies under the FOCAC framework and the Belt and Road Initiative have encouraged more and more Chinese enterprises to come to Africa,” Hu said.
“Their business activities have contributed to the socio-economic development and modernization of African countries in various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, green energy and the digital economy.”
Hu also noted that China has granted zero-tariff treatment to all least-developed countries, with 33 African countries benefiting from this policy.
“These tangible results speak loud and clear for China’s full commitment to expanding institutional openness and sharing development opportunities with Africa and the global South,” he added.
Chief of Staff of the African Union Commission, Mohamed El-Amine Souef, praised China’s longstanding support for Africa, dating back to the 1960s and 1970s when many African countries gained independence.
“China is one of those who recognized some of our countries first, you know, country, nation to recognize our independence,” said Souef.
Souef highlighted China’s contributions to Africa’s development, including the construction of strategic infrastructure, support in the health and security sectors, and the training of African military officers.
“Many of our infrastructure, strategic infrastructure, have been built by China and given to us as gifts,” he said.
The event also featured the introduction of China’s most influential trade fairs and events, which have helped link China with the global market and boost trade and investment across borders.
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