LUSAKA – Zambian experts on Tuesday welcomed the call by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang for an upgraded version of the Asian nation’s co-operation with Africa.
Speaking at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Li proposed that China and Africa joined hands to bring forth an upgraded version of their all-round co-operation.
The Chinese premier, visiting Africa for the first time since taking office in March 2013, listed four principles and outlined six areas for this to materialise.
He also highlighted one platform for the Asian giant and the promising continent to realise the upgrading.
According to one of the experts, Dr Fred Mutesa, said China’s relationship with developed countries has been on the platform of providing raw materials and receiving finished products.
“This has made us vulnerable to changes in commodity prices on the international market.
“With this new co-operation being proposed, it gives us an opportunity to ensure that our co-operation is indeed on a mutual basis.
“Also, it should be by ensuring that we not only become a supplier of raw materials but also ensure that China helps us add value to our materials.
“Africa should embrace the proposed co-operation by coming up with a working plan that will leverage the new opportunities,’’ Mutesa, a development expert and former lecturer at the School of Development Studies in the University of Zambia, said.
James Chola, a communications and development expert from Cavendish University, also welcomed the premier’s proposal, saying that the Asian nation perceived Africa as an equal partner.
“Chinese firms should partner with local firms in order to help Africa industrialise.
“China should help Africa in ensuring that there is innovation in industries,’’ Chola said.
The expert further commended China for improving infrastructure development in Africa, adding that this makes the Asian nation different from the approach of Western countries. (Xinhua/NAN)
